Kota Kinabalu: A diplomatic push on security reassessment is necessary to encourage foreign missions in Malaysia to lower their travel advisories for Eastern Sabah following continuous safety improvements in the region, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He emphasised that effective communication with foreign embassies and high commissions regarding positive security milestones would bolster international tourist confidence and spur visitors to the State’s east coast destinations.
“This is important so that they can reassess and subsequently consider lowering their travel advisories for Eastern Sabah, based on the positive developments, particularly the fact that no kidnap-for-ransom cases have been reported in the area since January 2020.
“Overall, the security situation in the Esszone (Eastern Sabah Security Zone) is good and remains under control,” he said in a statement after co-chairing the Esszone Joint Committee meeting at Menara Kinabalu, Thursday.
The meeting was co-chaired alongside Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, highlighting the continuous strategic alignment between the State and Federal governments on regional maritime security.
Hajiji added he had recently visited six islands in Sabah waters to inspect security posts and assess operational readiness on the ground.
He said the zero-kidnapping record maintained over the past six years stands as a significant milestone achieved through the dedicated efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and partner security forces.
Hajiji expressed his highest appreciation to Esscom, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Armed Forces and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency for their sacrifices in safeguarding the State’s land and sea borders.
The Chief Minister assured that the Sabah Government will continue working closely with the Home Ministry to upgrade security assets, enhance operational preparedness and prioritise the welfare of personnel stationed along the frontier.
Also present at the meeting were Esscom Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos, Esscom Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali, Sabah State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman and Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman.
