KOTA KINABALU: Activate additional security protocols, the fishing community and authorities were urged, following a shootout that saw two coast guard personnel wounded in Kunak over the weekend.
There is a need for heightened vigilance, Semporna Fisheries Association chairman Salleh Abdul Salleh said in the wake of the attack on the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) patrol party, less than 400m from the shore in Kampung Pangi on Sunday.
MMEA Petty Officer Zainal Abad Komel, 45, who skippered the six-man patrol team using the Banggi 48 boat, was blinded in the left eye while Leading Rate Prayrie De Cuella Jimin, 35, was wounded in both hands.
"The incident has raised concerns within the Eastern Sabah Security and Safety Zone (Esszone)," Salleh stressed in reference to the 10 coastal districts designated under the Eastern Security Command (Esscom) after the Lahad Datu intrusion 11 years ago by terrorists from the southern Philippines.
"I propose the authorities demolish shanty structures built in coastal areas without authorisation as these could be used as hideouts.
"These suspicious 'pondohan' (huts) can be identified by the locals and with help from the authorities, they can be taken down.
"Another move would be to ensure every fish farm and tour operator is equipped with at least a walkie-talkie that links them with the authorities."
In the east coast, certain areas are not covered by telecommunications companies.
Salleh said by beefing up the connection, the authorities can improve their reaction time.
He said these actions could help strengthen defence against threats from criminals who prowl the east coast, including cross-border bandits such as the three wanted suspects in the latest armed attack.
"On our part, we also have the 'KuKenal' or Kumpulan Keselamatan Nelayan (Fisherman Safety Group) group where we patrol on our own and keep things in check at sea," Salleh said and noted they make regular patrols within their district.
He added that fishing activities are rather slow with the impending Hari Raya holidays and the fasting month.
"But that's no excuse for us to take things for granted. Fishing boats need good radio links, we need to alert the authorities of any suspicious movements or activities, be vigilant," he added.
At least three suspects were involved in the shootout, all listed in the Esscom wanted list, according to the MMEA, and that they were involved in previous sea robberies and have ties to several cross-border criminal groups.