KUALA LUMPUR: In efforts to strengthen the security, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) is in the midst of acquiring 92 boats, Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the vessels of various types would arrive here in stages by February next year.
"This is to improve visual presence and as deterrence especially in areas and routes identified as high-risk and hotspots. There are currently eight ships and 69 boats operational at one time in Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone).
"The armed forces and Esscom are currently developing five more coastal surveillance systems to expand the coverage in Teluk Darvel, Lahad Datu and Semporna to improve surveillance at Kidnap-for-Ransom high-risk areas.
"There are currently eight areas covered by the system from Pulau Banggi to Tinagat, Tawau. The system is being operated by the armed forces with its centre located at the Joint Base 2 in Tawau," he said in reply to a question by Er Teck Hwa (DAP-Bakri).
It was reported that Esscom had received RM93.38 million in allocations to strengthen its management and improve the level of safety development in the east coast.