ESSCOM restructuring lives up to expectation- Masidi Manjun

The restructuring the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) lives up to the State Tourism, Culture and Environment's expectation that it should be led by security forces.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said ESSCom would be more focus in ensuring the safety of eastern Sabah with the police tasked with the responsibility of maintaining security.

"I am happy with the prime minister's decision on the matter. I hope the segregation of functions among ESSCom senior officers will enable them to focus on their expertise and avoid duplication of responsibilities," he told reporters at the ministry's breaking of fast here Friday.

Only July 8, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the restructuring of the ESSCcom with the setting up of two major components — security and defence management as well as enforcement and public action.

He also announced the appointment of ESSCom Security and Public Order Division director DCP Datuk Abd Rashid Harun as ESSCom commander in charge of intelligence, security, defence and operations effective July 15.

On the drop in tourist arrivals from China following a spate of abductions involving Chinese nationals, Masidi said he had asked the Sabah Tourism Board to review its programmes to minimise the impact by attracting tourists from other countries.

He said there was growing tourist arrivals from Japan, Korea, European countries, Australia, and North America despite the hiccup.