ESSCom formulates holistic strategy in ESSZone

ESSCom commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said this included enforcing curfew, increasing personnel, security and defence assets and increasing the number of control posts at strategic spots.

Abdul Rashid said understanding and cooperation between the security and defence forces in ESSCom must be further boosted and assisted by the Public Division, which supported all operations and activities.

"We realise cases of kidnapping, smuggling and intrusion are problems often faced by communities in Sabah's east coast. These are our main challenges. As such, ESSCom has drawn up several strategies to tackle the problem," he added.

In addition, Abdul Rashid said the control and supervision in the national waters would be boosted by equipping ESSCom with high technology radar systems and developing cooperation with several private companies to share radar capabilities to be integrated with ESSCom.

"We will also boost intelligence capabilities and have bilateral cooperation with the Philippines to share intelligence information and work closely with operators of resort and fish farms by stationing the security forces in areas vulnerable to kidnap," he said.

He said ESSCom would continue 'Op Gasak' in villages and resort areas to eradicate illegals who posed a security.

"We also hope more grassroots community leaders will come forward to help the government, specifically ESSCom, by serving as its eyes and ears," he added.

Abdul Rashid advised communities in ESSZone not to be easily influenced and believe rumours widely spread via the social media, but to refer to the security authorities or ESSCom to determine their legitimacy.