Keeping the east coast of Sabah safe
PLANTATION Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur called on the people to support government initiatives to protect the country’s sovereignty.
Datu Nasrun, who is Silam member of parliament, said the government took Sabah’s security seriously and would go to great lengths to protect the people from any form of intrusion.
He stressed that the establishment of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, was among the effective security measures put in place to assist in monitoring suspicious movements at sea.
The security body was launched in April 2014 to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security following the intrusion by Sulu terrorists in Kampung Tanduo at Felda Sahabat near here in February 2013.
“It was a sad event but, because of it, more security assets are being put in place on the east coast of Sabah and Esscom is set up because it is necessary. The government is concerned about the people’s safety,” said Nasrun at the Negaraku: Komuniti 1Malaysia programme at Felda Sahabat here, on Sunday.
“The government has transformed a decommissioned oil rig into a sea-based forward base that is equipped with high-tech devices and Felda Sahabat has an army base camp now.
“There is always a silver lining behind a tragedy, and all these (security measures) are the result of the Tanduo incursion and the people must continue to support the government in its effort to safeguard the country and its citizens,” he added.
Present at the event were Communications and Multimedia Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Sharifah Zarah Syed Ahmad, Information Department directorgeneral Datuk Ibrahim Abdul Rahman and District Officer cum Lahad Datu 1Malaysia Community Committee chairman Iman Ali.
Speaking to Felda Sahabat villagers, Nasrun stressed that Lahad Datu remained safe and the wellbeing of settlers continued to improve.
“I was born and grew up in Lahad Datu. We are not afraid of living here because it is safe. The only problem is the sea but rest assured that the government is giving security emphasis to ensure the east coast of Sabah is safe for living.
“It is also my hope that the people of Felda Sahabat will learn from the incursion tragedy and continue to strengthen unity.”
Organised by the Information Department and 1Malaysia Community Committee, the Negaraku: Komuniti 1Malaysia is aimed at boosting patriotism among citizens, especially youth.
During the event, which took place here from March 24 to 26, several programmes were lined up, including talks, exhibitions and a cycling race.
Earlier, Sharifah said the 1Malaysia Community Committee was set up to allow the people to engage the government and understand its policies.
"Nowadays, news and information can be obtained easily via social media. Hence, it is the role of the Information Department to go to the ground to channel (verified) information among others.
“The people must be well informed about government policies to ensure that their well-being is being taken care of,” she said.
Being a state with a diverse cultural background, Sharifah reminded the people to stay united and to continue to uphold peace and harmony while working together towards a better future.
Currently, Sharifah said there were 1,500 active 1Malaysia Community Committees throughout the country, adding Lahad Datu had three in Bandar Lahad Datu, Kampung Jawa and Kampung Zon Segama.