'Report illegal, suspicious presence to ESSCOM or police'

Community leaders particularly village heads in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) are urged to report any illegal or suspicious presence in their area to the security forces.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) director general, Datuk Mohammad Mentek said they could report to the nearest police station or contact ESSCOM's 24-hour operations room at 089-863181, or fax to 089-863182.

"Their cooperation is crucial. We do not want to be complacent after what had happened. So we want them to be the government's eyes and ears," he said after a meeting with community leaders including vilage heads at the Tungku sub district secretariat in Lahad Datu, Sunday.

According to Mohammad, ESSCOM received a lot of feedback from the community leaders during the meeting. including a suggestion to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Home Ministry for new police stations to be built in the ESSZONE.

"In this regard, we will raise the suggestion to the PDRM, Home ministry and Defence ministry for consideration," he said.

He said the villagers requested for a control post and additional security personnel in the zone including Tungku.

"We view the meeting as a good platform for us to create greater rapport and a cooperation network with the villagers on reinforcing security control," he said.