KOTA KINABALU: Police have decided to deploy drone units in Lahad Datu to enhance security surveillance in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).
Federal police Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali said the drones would be placed on marine police vessels.
"After receiving a visit from the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) delegation recently, I have decided to establish a drone unit based in Lahad Datu.
"This unit will be operated from aboard marine police vessels while they are sailing.
"In the event of any emergency, the drones will be deployed as a first response before further actions are coordinated with Esscom personnel," he told reporters after attending the Esscom Media Awards Night 2023 here last night.
The event was officiated by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Also present were Esscom commander Deputy Commissioner Victor Sanjos; state Deputy Police Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner Shahurinain Jais, and Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Datuk Mugutan Vanar.
Hazani said the drone unit can be established as they have skilled officers who have received recognition at the international level.
"These internationally-recognised instructors can train the drone units that will be stationed in Lahad Datu.
"As an initial stage, we will assign this responsibility to the marine police base in Lahad Datu to assist Esscom in maintaining security control in the waters and coastal borders of Eastern Sabah," he said.
Meanwhile, Victor said that there has been an 80 per cent increase in the number of visitors staying at resorts along the east coast.
He added that the data from the past two to three months had shown significant changes in tourist arrivals.
"This analysis demonstrates there is a misconception that the eastern coast of Sabah is unsafe. In fact, our national defence system remains at its highest level," he said.
Victor also said the media played a significant role in providing the real situation in the Esszone area.