Security in Sabah beefed up
KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces will bolster security along the waters of east Sabah to deter any threat during the Hari Raya period.
Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the assets of the Navy would also be increased through the security operation known as Ops Sanggah.
“There is a lot of maritime activity along Sabah waters. We must be prepared for any outcome.
“We already have sufficient marine assets along east Sabah but it will be increased as we do not want to be caught off guard during the festive period,” he told a press conference after the Warriors Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka yesterday.
Jen Zulkifeli said Armed Forces personnel would be on duty during the Hari Raya period as there was no “vacation” when it came to protecting the country’s sovereignty.
He also said that cooperation between the armed forces and the police would be increased following the success of Ops Daulat in defeating the Sulu intruders.
“We are committed to ensuring that Sabah and the rest of the country is safe from any threat,” he said.
The Yang di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi were among the dignitaries who attended the event held to honour the heroes of Ops Daulat.
The security forces performed a pantomime titled Lahad Datu Berdarah (Bloodied Lahad Datu) as well as a poem recitation titled Pahlawan (Warriors).
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who was also at the press conference, said some 90% of police personnel nationwide would be on duty during Hari Raya.
He also dismissed allegations that the Sulu intrusion was causedby weak police intelligence gathering.
“We have to understand the relationship between the people in east Sabah and the Sulu from Southern Philippines. Some of them are related. Travelling between the two places is similar to Kelantan and southern Thailand,” he said.
Meanwhile, Najib posted on his Facebook page his appreciation and thanks to the security forces personnel for their deeds and contributions in protecting the country’s sovereignty.
Bernama reported that the Prime Minister said the Warriors’ Day celebration, falling on July 31 every year, was meant to commemorate andhonour the deeds and contributions of national heroes.
“Furthermore, the militant intrusion tragedy in Lahad Datu (Sabah) is still fresh in people’s mind. The sacrifices of our fallen and injured heroes in Lahad Datu will be remembered forever as they were among the heroes who protected the sovereignty of our country.
“Whilewe commemorate our fallen heroes on this Warriors’ Day, we should also think about thewell-being of the families and children they left behind. Al-Fatihah,” he said.