US Embassy delegation visits ESSCom headquarters

LAHAD DATU: A three-member delegation from the United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur visited the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) headquarters, near here yesterday.

The delegation was led by US Embassy’s Regional Security Officer Bernard J Green.

We are very thankful for ESSCom for giving us the insight on its operations, including the role and function of ESSCom in ESSZone. Most of the resort operators and tourists are happy with the presence of ESSCom security personnel, and we will do the best we can to make sure Sabah continues to be peaceful, safe and harmonious.

Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, ESSCom Commander

Also present were Consular Officer Thad W. Ross and Foreign Service National Investigator V. Ramakrishna.

They were met on arrival by ESSCom Commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun and ESSCom senior staff.

Speaking at the function, Green expressed his admiration for ESSCom for the effort and strides made in the fight against cross- border crimes as well as in providing security for the Eastern Sabah Security Zone ( ESSZone).

He said this augured well for improved regional security, thus boosting visitor confidence in Sabah, especially in ESSZone.

Green also commended ESSCom, comprising police, army and maritime personnel, for truly practising the National Blue Ocean Strategy in terms of cooperation in further enhancing security in the east coast of Sabah.

“We are very thankful for ESSCom for giving us the insight on its operations, including the role and function of ESSCom in ESSZone,” he said.

Earlier, in his briefing, Abdul Rashid said the security situation in ESSZone had improved tremendously since curfew was imposed in July last year.

“Most of the resort operators and tourists are happy with the presence of ESSCom security personnel, and we will do the best we can to make sure Sabah continues to be peaceful, safe and harmonious,” he said.

He said ESSCom was committed to tackling the problems of smuggling, kidnapping, intrusion and it had also drawn up strategies to ensure security and harmony in the ESSZone.

ESSCom covers 10 districts, namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Tawau and Semporna. — Bernama