KOTA KINABALU: The State Security Committee (JKKN) has approved a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the implementation of the proposed designated routes to be used by foreign vessel coming in and out of Sabah waters.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman said in a statement after chairing a JKKN meeting here yesterday that the SOP would be implemented starting next month to ensure stringent monitoring of all foreign trade and passenger boats.
The SOP, he said, would prevent non-compliance with the country’s maritime regulations with special focus on trade activities, management and navigation safety of all types of boats.
“JKKN during its meeting today has listened to the reports by the chiefs of all the main security agencies, and has decided on several matters. First, JKKN Sabah takes very seriously and gives its deepest attention to the series of kidnappings recently.
“The Committee has decided on several comprehensive measures, both long and short terms, to strengthen security across the State, in particular within the ESSZONE (Eastern Sabah Security Zone).
“Immediate measures are already being taken to boost security in the East Coast, especially in high risk areas. As part of this immediate measure, we have discussed in detail the implementation of the designated routes,” said Musa.
He stated that implementation of the SOP would help maritime enforcement agencies effectively monitor and plan a more organized movement of foreign vessels in Sabah, towards ensuring that they are involved only in legitimate socio-economic activities.
The procedure, the statement explained, would require passenger and trade vessels to remain in designated routes and only enter the State through ports in Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Kudat, Kota Kinabalu and Labuan.
“All foreign vessels entering for these purposes must keep within one nautical mile from the median line of the designated routes, use ample lighting so that its sillhouete is visible at night and use predetermined coordinate when entering or exiting the State’s waters,” said the statement.
Musa, who is also the chairman of the specially set up Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOMM) for coordinating security initiatives in ESSZONE, also said that JKKN had taken note of ten proposed additional measures that would be implemented in stages.
He said this included installation of oil rig-like Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) to be contributed by private companies and stakeholders such as Petronas.
To be equipped with high speed boats and radar system, the FOB will serve as a monitoring and surveillance base to detect enemy’s movement as well as provide quick logistical support when needed, to intercept criminals trying to escape into the neighbouring countries via waters after committing a crime in Sabah.
To complement these FOBs, other smaller monitoring posts will also be installed in strategic locations along the high risk areas.
Also included in the 10-point plan was the optimization of Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN), enhancing Radar Surveillance System (RSS) and bringing in more high-powered boats to assist in the ESSCOMM operations.
A holistic defence concept or “Konsep Pertahanan Menyeluruh” (HANRUH) will also be promoted among the local communities, non-governmental organizations, and special interest bodies within ESSZONE.
Other than that, population movement in high risk areas in ESSZONE will also be closely monitored by enforcing the Public Order (Preservation) Act 1958, 296 Act and other related laws.
“The Police Department will detail out its implementation and the use of permit or pass for residences in the controlled areas is needed to better monitor the movements of everyone going in and out of the particular area.
“Should there be a threat or incident that threatens the security of the country in ESSZONE, a Restricted Area can be established based on existing laws,” Musa said.
To optimise enforcement against illegal and criminal activities within ESSZONE, he said ESSCOM would also be coordinating information sharing between all the agencies involved where a comprehensive profile would be developed for all maritime-related activities such as tourism, fish rearing, seaweed cultivating and so on.
He said these detailed information would allow for better planning and accurate response in dealing with future incidents or threats.
All Malaysian boats categorized as Non-Convention Sized Ships (NCSS), such as pump boats, will also be recorded by ESSCOM for easier reference, although this would not mean recognizing the use of pump boats that have been outlawed in the State.
In the meantime, collaboration between Malaysia and the Philippines in conducting coordinated operations will also be enhanced, with discontinued joint effort such as Op PHIMAL to be revived through the Joint Committee on Border Cooperation (JCBC) under the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM).
Bilateral ties with the Philippines will also be given a boost, starting with a smaller segment of cooperation involving mutual interests.