The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has initiated bilateral cooperation with Philippines police to strengthen security in the waters off ESSZone (Eastern Sabah Security Zone) against terrorist threats.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said through the cooperation, both sides would have an operation network to safeguard their respective borders and curb unfavourable incidents such as kidnapping.

"Recently, I met with my counterpart, the Philippines police chief to discuss this matter and they had agreed to the cooperation.

"So I feel the meeting had been fruitful where the Philippine authorities had agreed to station one of their officers in Kota Kinabalu, in Semporna and Lahad Datu as liaison," he said.

He said this in a media conference after returning from an official visit to Manila, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport here, Wednesday.

Khalid said Malaysian police would also carry out a training exercise with Philippines police and planned to conduct joint patrolling besides exchange visits.

"Thus PDRM can exchange intelligence information with Philippines police and I am confident this can strengthen security in ESSZone," he said.

-- BERNAMA