Under tight security: An Esscom boat (left) escorting the international yachts as they set sail from Sandakan.
KOTA KINABALU: A recent sailing event featuring participants from around the world, signals a resurgence of visitor confidence in Sandakan following past issues with cross-border criminal activities.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Deputy Comm Datuk Victor Sanjos made this assertion as he flagged off yachts taking part in the Sail Malaysia Passage to the East 2024 event in the Sabah east coast district on Friday.
Welcoming the sailors to Sandakan, DCP Sanjos said the event represents more than just a simple occasion for the district, describing it as a “blessing” for both Esscom and Sabah as a whole.
“The presence of participants each year proves that the eastern coastal area of Sabah, which falls within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), is safe,” he said.
“The Madani government, through the Home Ministry and Esscom, is committed to ensuring that safety levels remain at the highest standard and is a priority on the national security agenda, in line with the mission and vision of Esscom itself.
“We hope that this statement will provide peace of mind to all participants of Sail Malaysia Passage to the East 2024 and that they will enjoy the beauty of the hidden gems along the eastern coast of Sabah,” he added.
DCP Sanjos also expressed his appreciation to all the participants for their strong cooperation with the Esscom escort boats, which facilitated a smoother process.Esscom is an integrated multi-security agency involving the police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and all three branches of the Armed Forces, which operate within the Esszone.
The Sail Malaysia Passage to the East 2024, a renowned international yacht rally, began from the northernmost tip of Sabah in the Kudat district on July 26.
The sea convoy arrived in Sandakan on July 29 and continues its voyage to the neighbouring Kinabatangan district before concluding in Semporna on Aug 26.
This year, 21 yachts with 55 participants from 10 countries -- Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Portugal, the Philippines, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia and Tanzania -- are taking part.
Also present at the flag-off were Esscom deputy commander Brig-Jen Mohd Ismail Kamarudin, Sail Malaysia Passage to the East 2024 managing director Sazli Kamal Basha, team leader David Anderson, Sunrise III captain Russel Stephens and senior Esscom officers.
Last October, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the increased tourist arrivals to Sabah’s east coast was due to the enhanced security under Esscom, which has resolved 40 kidnap-for-ransom cases since 2017.
The Esszone has been under a sea curfew since July 16, 2014, following a series of kidnappings that saw the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fen and the killing of several others, including a policeman and tourists.
The curfew, which had been extended 220 times, has since been replaced by the Esszone Movement Control Order after the last extension expired on Oct 17 last year.
The new order covers the waters of Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, Sandakan, Kinabatangan and Beluran, with Tawau removed from the list due to a low threat level and satisfactory security control.
