TAWAU: The huge allocation set aside for Eastern Sabah Security Command (EssCom) in the 2015 National Budget shows that the federal government gives priority to safety of the Sabah people, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), said Kalabakan Member of Parliament Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh.
He believed with the huge allocation, it would be able to further enhance the role and function of ESSCom in its monitoring of waters in ESSZone.
“The allocation is clear proof that the federal government cares and is concerned with the safety of residents in ESSZone, especially in the Tawau district. I hope security level in ESSZone can be beefed up by having more army camps and battalions in ESSZone,” he said when opening the “Semarak with ESSCom’ programme at Desa Wawasan Merotai Besar near here today.
Also present were Sebalik assemblyman Datuk Abdul Muis Picho, ESSCom Commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, ESScom public director Ruji Ubi and Tawau Municipal Council president Datuk Ismail Mayakob.
Abdul Ghapur said the establishment of ESScom was part of efforts by the government to ensure peace and safety, especially of residents along the east coast of the state.
“The black history that hit the country following the intrusion by Sulu militants from southern Philippines early last year, which claimed the lives of our security members, has given us valuable experience and lesson that the peace and harmony we are enjoying now should be protected,” he added.
He also expressed support for the federal government’s move in restructuring ESScom to increase its capability in protecting the country’s sovereignty.
“After the restructuring of ESSCom, we see several changes and drastic measures taken by ESSCom in hot spot areas in ESSZone, which prove effective in curbing cross border crimes, like kidnapping and smuggling,” he added.
He praised the government, especially ESSCom, for enforcing the curfew in the six districts in ESSZone, namely Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau. — Bernama