KOTA KINABALU: There will be no let up in land and sea patrols in areas designated under the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE).
Newly-minted Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) Commander, Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Victor Sanjos, assured this, stressing that surveillance and patrol operations would be intensified.
Sanjos said the order was especially focussed on routes used as entry points (from a neighbouring country) for kidnap-for-ransom groups (KFRG).
Integrated operations involving fighter jets and several helicopters commissioned in several ESSZONE areas would be scheduled, added Sanjos who assumed duties early this month as the 7th ESSCOM Commander.
Operations to heighten vigilance at entry routes are aimed at curbing and staving off threats by such KFRGs from entering the waters off Sabah, he stressed.
"When I was appointed to lead ESSCOM, I can see the ESSZONE community and visitors to the east coast of the state have a sense of confidence towards their safety.
"That is why the 'show of presence' by the security forces in KFRG hotspots is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the people," Sanjos said in a statement after chairing his first ESSCOM meeting in its headquarters in Lahad Datu. It was formed in 2013 following the intrusion by armed Sulu terrorists from southern Philippines.
Sanjos noted despite having several past successes in countering threats of kidnapping in ESSZONE, several foreign nations such Japan and South Korea still considered the east coast of Sabah as "areas of security concerns".
Because of the concerns, the countries had issued travel advisories against visiting Sabah, he claimed.
Undeterred, he assured ESSCOM would be taking proactive steps to overcome the negative perceptions and work with all parties to achieve the noble objective, together with the coastal communities.
Combatting cross border criminals and stopping illegal immigrants from breaching into the country, would need the cooperation from everyone including the people and the security forces, he asserted.
Also present in the meeting were ESSCOM deputy commander Brigadier-General Johary Ismail, Land Operations Chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Datuk M Chandra, Sea Operations Chief Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik, among others.