Najib: Special security area for East Sabah

The government will be setting up a special security area in East Sabah to assure Sabahans that the peace, security and sovereignty of the war-torn state is the Malaysian government’s utmost priority.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the special security area will cover the areas from Kudat to Tawau including Sandakan, Semporna, Lahad Datu and Kunak.

Najib said the special security area’s centre would be based in Lahad Datu.

“In order for the area to be fully operational soonest possible, a few cabins would be placed there.

“The Malaysian government is willing to do anything to ensure that the peace, security and sovereignty of Sabah,” he said at a press conference in Felda Sahabat 16 here.

Najib said the decision to set up the security area was made by the cabinet yesterday.

Najib also said that additional five police and armed forces will be stationed there to maintain peace and order.

“This is to assure Sabahans that even though the current operation against the Sulu group will come to an end, we will continue to defend the safety and the sovereignty of Sabah,” he said.

Najib is currently in Sabah to see the running of the "Ops Daulat" operation against the armed intruders there.