'Declare Esszone national security area'
Published on: Friday, October 14, 2016
Lahad Datu: The Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority proposed the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) area be enforced as a national security ground under the National Security Council to enhance security in the waters. Its Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said under the National Security Council Act there is a section in which the Council can enforce a zone or site as a national security area. He said by putting Esszone under the national security area, the area will be monitored in a particular time and the enforcement of security can be implemented on a large scale.
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He said this will eradicate crime at sea and show outsiders that Malaysia is serious in tackling cross-border crime and protecting the country and its people. "I suggest that chairmen from every fishermen association including members in the Eastern Sabah Security Command channel information and give feedback in order to strengthen security control in the Esszone. "For me, feedback from fishermen is important especially with them being the latest target of kidnapping and it must be addressed in order for them not to be afraid and traumatised about going out to sea," he said. He said the fishing economy of the area will be affected if prolonged.
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Irmohizam said this after visiting kidnap victim, Ruslan Nasir Sarapin, 39, at his home on Friday. He said he will also seek to postpone the granting of restricted zone permits issued only to ships equipped with the Automated Identification System.
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He said that this would affect fishermen since the installation of Automated Identification System is costly and there are fishermen who cannot afford to equip their boats with the system. "Fishermen have requested for this matter to be deferred until they receive the Automated Identification System supplied by the ministry concerned. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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