Musa Assured Sabah Is Safe

 

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is safe, assured Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, especially in the wake of rumours on a possible second wave intrusion bid by the Sulu gunmen at several locations in the state.

“Keep calm as the security forces are doing their level best (to maintain peace), and to date, the situation is under control. They, especially the police, are thoroughly investigating the source of the rumours and its authenticity.

“At the same time, the security forces will not be complacent, and instead strengthen measures to ensure the state is safe,” he told reporters after chairing the Sabah Security Working Council meeting at the Wisma Innoprise, yesterday.

Musa also assured both locals and tourists that they need not be worried, and should continue to support and trust the government’s will to maintain peace and harmony in Sabah.

“In fact, the security measures in the state are improving and this is evident with the significant dropped in the state’s crime index, and we attribute this to the close rapport and cooperation between the police and the people.

“Therefore, I would like to call on everyone to play their part as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the government, and to report on any ill intentions towards the security forces so quick action can be taken to rectify them,” he said.

On another development, the Committee has scrutinised the implementation of strengthening security in the east coast of Sabah through the setting up of the East Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) on April 1 this year.

“We are satisfied with the development and roles undertaken by the ESSCOM although it is new. It will continue to further enhance and strengthen security in the East Coast of Sabah.

“Having said that, it is also our hope that people in that part of Sabah will continue to support the efforts undertaken by ESSCOM to ensure its smooth running,” he said.

Among those present were ESSCOM director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek and Sabah State Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib.Borneo Post

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Sulu Terrorists Could Return

But Malaysian security forces will be ready this time, eyeing to eliminate them at sea, says Ahmad Nadzer, adding that intelligence gathering has improved since the stunning raid at Tanduo

A Borneo Insider EXCLUSIVE by Clifford Chong

LAHAD DATU: Malaysian security forces in the east coast are all the more vigilant now, even though the dust of the bloody armed intrusion of Kg Tanduo, in Lahad Datu five months ago has settled.

Intelligence claims that the Sulu terrorists are expected to return – this time no longer just the Sabah claim, but more for vengeance.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) Director of Intelligence, deputy commissioner, Dato Ahmad Nadzer Nordin (photo) said should they (Sulu) come they would be eliminated at sea, before they can land on our shores.

“We believe they will return,” he said when speaking to the local business community during a dialog organized by the Lahad Datu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LDCCCI) here, recently.

“We expect them to come better armed, but we will be ready and waiting for them and they will not get to land at our shores.”

Ahmad Nadzer said the terrorists would try to sneak through via other routes knowing the tight surveillance and large presence of security forces in the ESSCOM area.

Acknowledging that prevention is better than to act after an untoward incident, he said that preventive measures had been discussed to enhance the security level at various points.

He acknowledged that with a 1784km coastline stretching 10 districts from Kudat to Tawau within the ESSCOM perimeter, the gaps among the eight radar coverage does present some concerns on the effectiveness of preventing an armed incursion from recurring.

Ahmad Nadzer spoke on the importance of demolishing water villages in the state, particularly in the ESSCOM area, and resettling those eligible in other more suitable areas.

He said terrorists have been known to take refuge in the water villages, while waiting for the right time to strike.

“All this while our (police) intelligence indicated water villages were used as hide out for criminals and smugglers, they hide their fire arms, contraband include drugs there, I strongly believe it is high time for us to eradicates such threats once and for all,” he said.

He admitted the February intrusion at Tanduo was due to an intelligence slip up.

 “The Special Branch did receive information in November and December last year hinting of the Royal Sulu Force’s intention (to invade Sabah).

“But, since both sides had been living peacefully over decades, this information was not treated seriously, and we paid the price for it eventually.

Describing it as a ‘bitter experience’ whereby 11 Malaysian security personnel perished (eight in the confrontation with the armed groups) during Ops Daulat, Ahmad Nadzer assured that ESSCOM is determined to avoid such incident from recurring in the future.

He said with ESSCOM, which has been exploring and adopting all possible measures, security has tightened and intelligence collecting has improved.

Intelligence gathering has also been strengthened with closer cooperation with the Philippines and Indonesian security forces, while it has also started building a closer relation with the local residents.

And to better achieve such an objective, ESSCOM is currently in the midst of establishing its own SMS system to allow the public to provide valuable information of the presence of any subversive elements or threats, through SMS free of charge.

He continued that in the meantime, members of the public can contact him personally should they stumble upon suspicious group in army fatiques or suspicious large boats with large number of men on board, by dialing his mobile number 019 900 0171, or even email him at nadzer@rmp.gov.my and smartstar2003@yahoo.co.uk, should they have photographs of such suspicious groups or activities.

He assured that all information provided will be seriously looked into by ESSCOM which will then immediately dispatch its personnel to investigate, and to take action immediately should such a need arises.

Responding to questions from LDCCCI Chairman, Mok Tian Sang and Deputy Chairman, Thomas Wong, he said the government had yet to decide on suggestions that the ESSCOM Center be shifted to Sandakan.

Ahmad Nadzer said he personally felt that Lahad Datu was the best location for ESSCOM given its close proximity between Tambisan and Tanjung Labian area with Tawi-Tawi Province of Philippines.

He said the ESSCOM operation needed time (due to several factors) to build up to become 100 per cent operational, adding that once ready, it would boost the local community’s economic and social activities.

Also present at the dialog were, the Sabah United Chinese Chamber of Commerce delegates led by its President, Datuk Sri Panglima Gan Sau Wah.

The objective of the dialog was to provide the business community of east coast a better understanding on the readiness of ESSCOM to protect the interest of the community there, apart from providing a platform for the local residents to play their role of providing vital information to ESSCOM.

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