Security forces have been given orders to shoot when faced with intruders who encroach into Malaysian waters and deemed a threat to national security, said Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid ( left ) said if only shooting can stop intruders, the shooting is justified.

"The government has no problem with the shooting order if intruders try to enter the country," he said when commenting on a request by Navy (TLDM) chief Abdul Aziz Jaafar.

Abdul Aziz urged the government to issue such orders following another intrusion at the Bilabong Resort in Mabul Island, Semporna, Sabah where a marine policeman was killed and another kidnapped on July 12.

Zahid said the kidnappers had contacted the authorities yesterday morning to inform that the kidnapped policeman was safe but there was no mention of a ransom or the reason for the kidnapping.

"We will introduce a number of changes in relation to the intrusions at Esscom once police take over the operations of Esscom tomorrow," he said.

"We must also be proactive, not wait for someone to attack us and then react. The new procedures will include surveillance and control."

He added that resort operators in Mabul Island would also be asked to install CCTV to record the movement of traffic in their areas and to avoid similar intrusions.

They should spend some money for long-term benefits. If such resorts are closed down, it will be a big loss to them.

The Esscom area is about 1,700km long so we hope fishermen, boat owners and those living in water villages can cooperate with the authorities to prevent such intrusions.

"Intruders do not respect our laws so we cannot compromise their action," he said.

- Bernama