Esszone ‘security fencing’ plan under 12MP

LAHAD DATU: Several new control posts and a military camp to be established in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) under the 12th Malaysia Plan comprise part of the “security fencing” that the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has in mind. Esscom Commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman said the Esszone “fencing” will be able to better check cross-border crime, including kidnapping for ransom.

The 12th Plan, unveiled in Parliament on Monday, provides for the setting up of the Manalunan and Simanggaris border control posts, a military camp in Felda Sahabat and a General Operations Force camp, he said.

“The Kuala Meruap and Siguntur control posts as well as an Island Forward Operation Base (IFOB) in Tambisan will also be established under the 12MP,” he said.

Ahmad Fuad said Esscom had also requested six surveillance aircraft, 15 radar and 20 assault boats but no decision has been made on the matter.

“If these assets are procured, there can be total ‘fencing’ of the Esszone, including the 70 hotspots prone to cross-border crime. Radar placed at these hotspots can be utilised not only by Esscom but also other enforcement agencies. We are asking for total focus on the Esszone because Esscom studies show the continued presence of threats in the Esszone.

“We do not want these threats to impose a negative impact on the economy such as loss of tourists and ceasing of barter trader as well as instilling fear in the people,” he said.

He also said the need for the assets has been presented to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor who has welcomed the matter. Ahmad Fuad also appealed to the people to be “eyes and ears” and channel information on cross-border crime to the security forces for immediate action to be taken.