TAWAU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) remains relevant, especially in addressing cross-border crime threats, having recorded numerous significant successes since its establishment 12 years ago.
Advisor to the Sabah Crime Prevention Organization (PPDJS), Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto, said statistics showed that Esscom thwarted 59 attempted kidnappings during that period.
Besides, over 16,000 undocumented migrants (PATI) were arrested during integrated operations since 2013, and more than 500 foreign fishing boats were either turned away or detained for encroaching into Malaysian waters during the period.
He said Esscom’s success in significantly reducing ransom kidnappings, smuggling activities and illegal migrant entries proves the agency remains a vital security stronghold along Sabah’s east coast.
This success has been driven by the use of advanced assets, including surveillance radars and drones, as well as close cooperation with Philippines and Indonesia through trilateral patrols.
“Esscom helped restore the confidence of local communities and investors in the safety of the ESSZone (Eastern Sabah Security Zone), which was previously considered a ‘hotspot’ for security threats,” he said, in conjunction with Esscom’s 12th anniversary.
Despite the many achievements, Mohd Zaki said Esscom must continue to be strengthened with more assets, more intensive tactical training and greater community involvement as the eyes and ears of the security agency.
He added that today’s security threats are increasingly complex, and Esscom must be prepared to face various possibilities, including cybercrime, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.
So far, he said, Esscom remains committed to carrying out its duties as the nation’s primary shield in eastern Sabah, ensuring that the region’s waters and land remain peaceful and secure.
Mohd Zaki also cautioned that while the east coast of Sabah may seem calm, unexpected incidents should serve as a reminder — such as the recent powerful earthquake in Myanmar, which caught many off guard.
“Still waters run deep. No one expected a strong earthquake to strike Myanmar, yet it did. Unforeseen events like these should serve as a lesson,” he said.
He called on the people of the ESSZone to continuously support and appreciate the existence of Esscom in Sabah, which was established in 2013 following the armed incursion in Kg Tanduo, Lahad Datu.
It plays a crucial role in coordinating security operations involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).