The formation of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) is a right move and should be supported by all parties, says the Kota Kinabalu-based Consul General of China, Chen Peijie.

Chen is confident that the calm and peaceful conditions in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) would be able to restore the confidence of the people, especially tourists from China, to visit the tourist destinations there.

"Based on reviews and feedback we have received from local residents and tourists in Semporna, they feel comfortable and more safe with the presence of the Esscom security personnel.

"We appreciate the establishment of Esscom... but our only hope is that Esscom continues operating as long as possible," she said after visiting Lahad Datu today.

Chen said she was satisfied with the level of security in Esszone and expected more Chinese tourists to visit Sabah, especially the resort islands in Semporna.

    

Accompanied by Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Pang Yuk Ming and Luyang assemblyperson Dr Hiew King Chew, she also visited Semporna today and will be visiting Tawau tomorrow.

Esscom was established on April 1, 2013, after the terrorist instrusion into Tanduo, Lahad Datu, earlier in the same year.

Esszone encompasses 10 districts covering 1,733.7 square kilometres, from Kudat to Tawau. These districts are Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.

- Bernama