Measures in place to secure Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: The Defence Ministry is putting in place longterm measures to boost security in Sabah as a comprehensive approach to tackle simmering threats from Islamic State (IS) militants.
Among the plans in the pipeline according to Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein are for the deployment of new assets, including amphibious multi-role armoured vehicles, light attack helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft.
“We are looking at ways to strengthen security in Sabah as we do not want incidents such as the Lahad Datu intrusion and the persistent militant and IS threats to occur,” he said after a meeting with senior army officials at the Lok Kawi army camp here yesterday.
Hishammuddin said other measures include upgrading assets such as Hawk jets in Labuan and attending to the welfare of the armed forces and their families.
“This is to ensure that our defence troops are ready and have the capacity to face threats, while at the same time, the basic needs of their families are fulfilled,” he said.
Hishammuddin said for these to run smoothly, there must be political stability in the country.
“A harmonious and stable political situation has a major influence in the level of security in a country,” he said.
He reminded the armed forces to stay focused in their duties and not to allow political issues or emotions to affect their commitment.
On Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal’s scepticism on Rela members deployment to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), Hishammuddin invited the Parti Warisan Sabah president to provide constructive suggestions to the Government.
“We are doing what we think is necessary to help boost security in Sabah.
“So if he has better ideas on how to achieve this, please let us know,” he said.
Recently, Mohd Shafie, who is Semporna MP, questioned the deployment move to Esszone, saying that Rela members were “untrained and not equipped” to be based in the high security zone.