SEMPORNA: The establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Pulau Mabul near here which is expected to be completed in 2024, will further strengthen security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) from being intruded by foreign elements.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) chief executive officer, Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the building of a security asset would enhance confidence of the maritime community including tourists to Semporna on the level of security in ESSZone.
“The FOB project costing RM41 million is expected to be completed in 36 months from the ground breaking date and it was among the commitment of the government to boost security at national borders,” he said in a statement here today.
According to him, the FOB in Mabul is a pioneer project of ESSCom while marine police is responsible for the operation of the base as a tactical headquarters to control and monitor the level of security in the waters of Semporna district and its surrounding areas.
“The project is timely with the government’s efforts to provide logistic facilities and a proper working environment for security forces especially marine police,” he said.
In this regard, Jamaluddin urged ESSZone residents to continue cooperating with security forces to eradicate criminals including smugglers and illegal immigrants.
“ESSZone community should assist security forces by becoming the eyes and ears of security forces as it is crucial to weed out foreign elements threatening the stability and security of the state,” he added.
Yesterday, Jamaluddin launched the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the FOB in Pulau Mabul, Semporna.
