PARLIAMENT The Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) is even safer than the country's capital Kuala Lumpur due to the constant presence of security forces, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Shahidan Kassim said today.

Responding to a question from Linda Tsen Thau Lin (BN-Batu Sapi) during Question Time in Parliament today, Shahidan claimed that he had met tourists who felt safer in the Esszone in Sabah, which was established following the incursion into Lahad Datu by militants last year.

"I have met tourists from Great Britain, for example, and they feel so much safer to go and see turtles, for example, because there are security forces everywhere.

"I think it is even safer than Kuala Lumpur now," he claimed.

Shahidan also pointed out that the arrival of tourists to Sabah, after dropping between April and June this year, had picked up from July onwards.

 

"The resort operators are happy with the security levels. They hope that the curfew can be continued to ensure their safety."

 

He also said the security zone is being targeted by outsiders for economic reasons, and hence the need to protect it.

 

"It is an important economic zone, and one of the most beautiful places on Earth, so we need to look after it," he said, adding that he goes to Sabah every week to show that the state is now safe.

 

In fact, Shahidan went on to claim, the local people were "happy" with the curfew as there were fewer unexpected movements at night.