ESSZone security: Four elements to be focused on - Hishammuddin

The government will suggest that four elements, namely policy, assets, training and intelligence be focused on to strengthen security control in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussen said the suggestion would be brought and explained to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the next National Security Council meeting.

"From today's meeting, it is important for us to identify the elements in ensuring security in this region; assets that need to be mobilised, training involving the police and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, and intelligence which also involves international intelligence agencies.

"If the proposals can be fine-tuned and implemented, I hope it will be a legacy in ensuring the people's security and in safeguarding Sabah's position, honour and sovereignty."

Hishammuddin said this at a news conference after a meeting here today, on the implementation of the sea basing concept in the ESSZone.

Also present were Malaysian Armed Forces chief, Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) director-general Datuk Mohamad Mantek.

Hishammuddin also said the ministry was considering buying new radars to replace the outdated existing ones.

"We are studying the matter now. As you know, the Petronas oil rigs already have their own radars. We have one to six radars which are quite outdated.

"But it is important to find where the threats are, where the blind spots are for the radars. This is one aspect of hardware which we are considering."

Asked how many oil rigs would be used, Hishammuddin said they were considering two by the end of this year.

Petronas had earlier given its commitment to offer the rigs for the implementation of the sea basing system.

Hishammuddin said there were, however, two (drilling) rigs located near Lumut, Perak that could be used fast.

"But they are in the hands of another third party which we are going to negotiate with," he said.