ATM beefs up assets off Sabah east coast during Aidlifitri

The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will beef up military assets in waters off the Sabah east coast during the Aidiliftri festival. ATM Chief, Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said additional assets for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will be deployed in Operation Sanggah to face any threats during the period. "We have to be ready for any situation at sea," he told a press conference after attending the Warriors' Day celebration at Dataran Merdeka here today. The Marine Police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency always conduct reconnaisance to ensure the security of Malaysian waters. Zulkifeli also commented on allegations by certain quarters that the three weeks negotiation was a 'mistake' as it allowed the intruders in Lahad Datu, Sabah to escape. "The three weeks was used for research because many people in the Sabah east coast are of Sulu descent. We studied their attitude and views. "The Sulus in Sabah were against the intrusion and supported the government 100 percent," he added. Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar who was also present at the press conference said the issue of poor intelligence and alleged 'mistake' never existed. "That's our way and approach. It is our culture to solve problems. For example, the Memali and Sauk incidents started with negotiations. "We do not want more bloodshed and destruction of property. Action is taken only after negotiations failed," he added. Ten security forces members were killed in the Lahad Datu intrusion by Sulu gunmen from southern Philippines which started on February 12.