ESSCom must empower intelligence capability to curb kidnappings

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) must formulate a more holistic strategy, including empowering its intelligence aspect, to ensure Malaysia's territorial waters are not easily trespassed by cross-border criminals.

In making the call, Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Borhan Dolah said this was crucial so that preventive measures, including more aggressive enforcement could be carried out to curb kidnapping activities.

He said he was aware that ESSCom did not have sophisticated assets to control and monitor all fishing boats at sea as the number was too numerous whilst the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) was 1,733km long.

"But then, with firm and effective intelligence capability, I am confident we can prevent cross-border criminal networks and kidnapping cases from continuing to take place.

"Kidnappings must be stopped because they impact negatively on socio-economic development," he added when chairing a Public Action and Enforcement Committee meeting at the Sandakan Municipal Council near here on Wednesday.

Borhan said every security enforcement agency too, must review its standard operating procedure and existing regulations to ensure no leakage, especially at the implementation stage.

"We must tighten security control further in the territorial waters to curb any attempt by criminals, including elements connected to the Abu Sayaf group, from entering," he added. - BERNAMA