KUALA LUMPUR: There have been no incidents of kidnappings in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) since 2020 thanks to the country’s efficient security forces, says Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah.
The Deputy Home Minister said the achievement was also attributed to rigorous monitoring through the Malaysian Maritime Sea Surveillance System (Swasla).
He said as of Aug 31, there were 11,184 detections and 184 suspicious targets. A total of 21 arrests were also made.
“The data collected by Swasla will be channelled to the security assets in the area for immediate action.
“We will continue our efforts to protect our security while dealing with any threats.
“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 here yesterday.
Awang had asked the ministry to explain any progress made by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in ensuring safety at Sabah’s borders.
Shamsul Anuar also said the government was addressing the rapid development of border security technology through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
He said the move will enhance enforcement preparedness.
“AI is being utilised for data analysis to identify patterns and potential threats.
“AI technology is also used for early threat detection through algorithms used by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in Swasla’s maritime surveillance,” he said.
Earlier, Shamsul Anuar said to further beef up border security in Sabah, enforcement agencies had been increasing patrols and surveillance.
He said this was done through several security operations – both on land and water – such as Ops Sanggah and 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.
He said to strengthen 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.
