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.