PM orders ESSCom to review its security system

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has ordered the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) to review its security system in detail following the recent ambush at Pulau Mabul, Semporna, Sabah last night.

Commenting on the incident which killed Marine Police Corporal Rajah Jamuan, 32, Najib said it is important to ensure that the number of those patrolling the eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) is sufficient.

“They have information on our security movements. This is a serious challenge and I ask the ESSCom to review their security system in detail. If there are not enough personnel, then the number has to be increased,” he said at a press conference at Wisma Sri Pahang, Kuantan.

He said this will the priority of ESSCom’s new chief operating officer, Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun.

In the incident, the intruders, armed with heavy weapon, ambushed and killed Rajah, at a resort in Pulau Mabul at 11.10pm, Saturday. They had also abducted Constable Zakia Aleip, 26.

They then escaped into the waters of neighbouring countries.

Earlier, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told Bernama that the ambush was motivated by revenge and anger due to tighten control of Sabah waters by ESSCom.

Ahmad Zahid added that the intruders were unhappy with the success of security forces in penetrating their fortress.