No serious threat in ESSZone

LAHAD DATU: There is no serious threat reported in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) currently, said Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.

He said the security forces, comprising the three wings of the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, were monitoring the area well and they were always prepared to face any possible threats.

He told reporters this when met after attending a briefing by the Commander of the 13th Brigade headquarters at the Cenderawasih Felda Sahabat Camp, Datuk Hamdan Ismail near here yesterday.

Mohamad, accompanied by Malaysian Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, is on a two-day working visit to the ESSZone operation areas in Tawau, Semporna and Lahad Datu.

Mohamad said tourists, including scuba divers and sea sports enthusiasts, did not have to fear about their safety when in Sabah.

“I’m satisfied with the preparedness of the security forces and the situation in Sabah is peaceful.”

Mohamad said the security forces were performing their duties despite facing some constraints including the lack of assets.

“There are many Chinese national tourists in Sabah, and tourists from Europe have started coming back and we hope more tourists will come to Sabah,” he added.

Earlier, Mohamad also visited the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) headquarters and was briefed on the latest situation as well as operations undertaken by ESSCom.

During his visit, he received complaints from the security forces, especially those from Peninsular Malaysia who were forced to rent houses while serving in Sabah.

He added that he would pay attention on this matter and find solution to solve the complaints from the security forces.

In the meantime, Malaysian Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin said there was a plan to set up the 13th Brigade Camp.

However, he said the army would first find a settlement including the setting up of a temporary settlement for those serving here as a short-term solution.

“For long-term solution, we will build a permanent camp in Felda areas and we will convey this proposal to the ministry,” he said.

In the meantime, Zulkifli said the proposal of state government to transfer half of the members and assets from the Lokawi Camp to Sabah’s east coast should be discussed by the State Security Committee.

He added that the Armed Forces which were represented by the Task Force 450 Commander, would advise the chairman of the committee, the Chief Minister and appropriate action would be taken if necessary.