Suitable SOP for ESSCOM after discussions among enforcement agencies - IGP

Police will hold discussions with the other enforcement authorities in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to draw up a suitable standard operating procedure (SOP) that is in line with the country's laws.

The enforcement authorities involved in ESSCOM are the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said discussion on "shoot on sight" was necessary as the area had not only been used as a passage by criminals, but also by barter traders, fishermen and village folk.

"If we fire shots by mistake, it could endanger innocent lives. So we need to discuss and study the matter before issuing the SOP.

"But if we (police) already know that they are armed intruders out to threaten the lives of the local people and their property, we are definitely allowed to shoot at them.

"We also need to come out with certain prohibition orders in certain areas before we can take action," he told reporters after the handing-over of parcels of Hari Raya goodies to the police at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman, here, Wednesday.

On the alleged involvement of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari in the intrusion incidents in Sabah, Khalid said PDRM was still investigating this.

Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Nur Misuari was using his own men and other groups to commit intrusion and kidnapping in Sabah.

On the safety of tourists in Sabah, Khalid said police would increase their presence in the areas concerned to prevent undesirable incidents from happening.