MAF to increase preparedness, security in Sabah east coast - Hishammuddin

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) will increase preparedness and security control in Sabah east coast to the highest level following allegations of possible intrusion by certain parties from the Philippines to the state.

Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said a directive on the matter had been issued to all three MAF services through the Eastern Field Command commander Lt Gen Datuk Mardzuki Muhammad, Eastern Fleet commander Vice-Admiral Datuk Sabri Zali and Air Region 2 commander Major-Gen Datuk Shamsudin Kassim.

Hishammuddin said based on MAF's operations and intelligence, so far there has been no clear indication or solid evidence supporting media reports on the allegation of possible intrusion in Sabah.

"As mentioned by the Chief of Defence Force (Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang) and Inspector-General of Police (Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani), swift action will be taken to increase preparedness to the highest level in Sabah.

"Our intelligence and security agencies are aware of the news reports and are in the process of verification with their counterparts in the Philippines and the region as stated by the IGP and the ESSCOM commander yesterday," he told a press conference on post 100-Day Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia at Wisma Perwira ATM here.