12 boats for ESSCom from U.S.

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) would be getting 12 boats from the United States of America to boost its asset strength.

Deputy Defence Minister, Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the contribution followed a number of agreements signed between Malaysia and the U.S. last year.

The agreements were signed during U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to the country, he told reporters after visiting the Pulau Berhala army camp near here, Saturday.

He said the boats were currently being modified according to the specifications required by ESSCom.

Abdul Rahim, who is also Kudat MP, said a proposal to build an army camp in Kudat, under the 11th Malaysia Plan, was also being considered.

"Hopefully, we can secure an allocation for it, and further reinforce ESSCom's defence," he said.