Kidnappers are now more likely to commit their crimes in waters that have a short distance to the border.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the 'kidnap for ransom group' (KRFG) especially focuses on these areas so they can easily flee from Malaysian authorities and enter Philippine waters.

But Malaysian authorities in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) are aware of these tactics and have been closely monitoring the ships passing through high-risk areas, he said.

"ESSCOM will trail the ships through these areas. The KFRGs won't dare to enter but they'd go in search for 'soft targets' and 'soft areas' which is near the border.

"A soft area is an area that allows the KFRGs to move to a neighbouring country with ease," Shahidan told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a written question submitted by Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) who is also Penang Chief Minister.

Shahidan added that the Government would continue its efforts as well as encourage the public who are in the waters off the Sabah east coast to join the volunteer programmes and be the eyes and ears of the authorities.