KOTA KINABALU: The RM40 million allocation to upgrade the infrastructure and quarters facility for the staff of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) in Lahad Datu provided by the government demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the welfare of the agency's personnel is always taken care of.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the allocation also reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's concern for the welfare of ESSCom personnel who are willing to sacrifice to ensure the safety of Sabah and the country.

"Thank you to the Prime Minister for his concern and hopefully this initiative will boost the spirit of ESSCom personnel to do their best in defending the country's sovereignty," said Hajiji who is also the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) chairman in a statement to Bernama recently.

On July 15, Anwar, when speaking at the Malaysia MADANI programme with the Internal Security and Public Order Department of the Royal Malaysia Police at the Kulim GOF Battalion 2 in Kulim, Kedah, announced the allocation of RM40 million for ESSCom-related infrastructure and facilities.

Meanwhile, ESSCom chief executive officer Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the allocation will be used to provide the agency's personnel with the best housing facilities, which will be of great benefit to them.

He said the provision also enables ESSCom to acquire houses for its members on duty in Lahad Datu.

"It is for the convenience of the ESSCom officers, members as well as staff and the process to acquire the facility (houses) is ongoing," he said.

ESSCom commander DCP Victor Sanjos expressed his gratitude for the Unity Government's concern and appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices of those who safeguard the security and sovereignty of the country, especially in Sabah.

"On behalf of ESSCom and as the ESSCom Commander, I would like to express my gratitude to the Unity Government for its concern and kindness towards the members of ESSCom by providing this allocation," he said.

-- BERNAMA