Deputy minister: Sabah’s east coast is safe

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 5): The security situation on Sabah’s east coast remains safe and well under control, despite 14 countries continuing to maintain travel advisories, cautioning their citizens against visiting the area, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah assured that the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) remains committed and prepared to defend national sovereignty, ensure security, and maintain public order within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

To improve the perception of safety for travellers to Sabah’s east coast, measures have included rebranding the curfew in ESS Zone waters to ESSZone Movement Control Order (MCO), he said.

“A security assessment and engagement programme with foreign representatives in Malaysia was also conducted, offering a firsthand view of the security situation in the ESSZone,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat.

He provided these details in response to a question from Datuk Seri Madius Tangau (PH-Tuaran), regarding efforts to reduce travel advisories for Sabah’s east coast, and ESSCom’s expenditure since its inception.

— MORE TO COME —