KUALA LUMPUR: There have been no kidnappings in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) since 2020, says the Deputy Home Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said this was due to the effectiveness of security forces in the zone involving several agencies such as the Public Defence Forces (APMM), the police and the army.
He added that rigorous monitoring through the Malaysian Maritime Sea Surveillance System (Swasla), has recorded 11,184 detections, 184 suspicious targets, and 21 arrests as of Aug 31
“These data collected by Swasla will be channelled to the security assets in the area for immediate action.
“Generally, we will continue our efforts to protect our security while acknowledging any threats. However, our readiness is always at the highest level,” he said when answering a supplementary question by Datuk Awang Solahuddin Hashim (PN-Pendang) in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Oct 28).
Awang had asked the ministry to explain any progress made by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in ensuring safety at the Sabah borders.
Anuar also said that the government is addressing the rapid development of technology in border security through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance preparedness in physical enforcement.
“AI is being utilised for data analysis to identify patterns and potential threats.
“AI technology is also used in early threat detection through algorithms used by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) in Swasla’s maritime surveillance, which is capable of identifying early signs of suspicious activities,” he said.
Earlier, Anuar said that to further beef up the border security in Sabah to curb smuggling, human trafficking and kidnapping, the enforcement agencies in charge have been increasing patrols and surveillance.
He added that this was done through several security operations comprising both on land and waters, including Ops Sanggah, Ops Gasak, among others.
“We have sea checkpoints in place to enforce regulations on the movement of non-conventional vessels and neighbouring countries' fishing boats using special routes for barter trade activities in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
“Monitoring and inspection of movement-controlled areas remain enforced in the Esszone across six districts, which are Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, and Beluran, under the jurisdiction of Esscom,” he added.
Anuar also said that to strengthen the security efforts, the government also shared intelligence involving various departments, agencies, and authorities from the Philippines and Indonesia.
“Our General Operations Force has added two new battalions in Sabah, namely Battalion 21 in Keningau and Battalion 22 in Kunak, to ensure that national security is monitored holistically,” he added.
