Najib Abdul Razak today officially launched the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in Lahad Datu and outlined four strategies to step up surveillance in the country's waters.

NONE The caretaker prime minister ( left ) said enhanced intelligence capability and effective surveillance of the waters were among the strategies that had to be emphasised to prevent encroachment of the nation's sovereignty.

He said Malaysia should also have a more effective strategy of coastal surveillance with 24-hour patrols to ensure more comprehensive surveillance and control.

"Besides, the security forces should also step up their respective capabilities to intercept any negative activity in violation of the law in the country's waters," he told reporters after the symbolic launch of the Esscom centre.

He also said that Malaysia should implement stricter enforcement and arrest suspected intruders before or after their landing.

Najib said the strategic and technical measures were two important elements which could reassure the people in terms of security, especially after the intrusion of Sulu militants in Lahad Datu last February.

"Fully guaranteed security and the confidence of the people to return to normal life are two very important elements which have to be addressed by the government and our security forces," he said.

Existing laws adequate

He said the measures did not require a review of the immigration laws because the existing regulations were adequate to implement the outlined strategies.

"Only enforcement and the determination to enforce the laws more effectively have to be stepped up," he said.

The caretaker prime minister said the decision to set up Esscom was made in only 24 hours and reflected the sincerity of the government in ensuring that the safety of the people was always at its best.

Najib said the launch of Esscom today in just about a month after its establishment was announced showed that the government was really serious about implementing it.

NONE The establishment of Esscom, which will operate temporarily from the Marine Police Base in Lahad Datu pending the setting up of the headquarters, was announced by Najib on March 7 during a visit to look at the Ops Daulat military offensive against the Sulu terrorists in the Felda Sahabat plantation, about 130 km from Lahad Datu.

Najib also said that 36 of the 48 key posts in Esscom had been filled, and the rest would be filled soon.

"It was the fastest decision made in the history of Malaysia in terms of creating posts in any government agency," he said.

Esscom is the enforcement agent for the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone), which covers 10 districts along a stretch of 1,400 km in the Sabah east coast, and is aimed at safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the state's east coast following the terrorist intrusion.

Esszone covers the districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.

   

- Bernama