By Arthur Edward
SEMPORNA (Bernama) -- It is a challenge in itself to maintain security at Sabah's eastern front, what more to coordinate several different agencies to strive for the purpose.
However, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has done just that. It has successfully coordinated the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and public agencies in achieving the required outcome.
This has helped in lessening communication gaps as well as improving coordination in maintaining security at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
The ESSCom commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said the department has been successful in creating an ESSCom-centred work culture in which results and tasks were oriented towards achieving the objectives of the department. This is as stipulated under the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013.
"Each agency has its own doctrine and work methods, but this does not hamper collaboration. We have a pleasant working environment that is acceptable to everyone in ESSCom," he told Bernama.
ESSCom was formed following the Sulu terrorists intrusion in Tanduo, Lahad Datu in February 2013 to preserve the harmony and sovereignty of Sabah, particularly in the ESSZone. In so far ESSCom has proven its capability to do so.
ESSZone comprises 10 districts namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.
EXTERNAL CHALLENGES
ESSCom faces multiple challenges in carrying out its duties. One of the main ones is helping external agencies adapt their roles and responsibilities towards achieving the goals and purposes of the department.
Abdul Rashid said they also had trouble gaining cooperation from some tour and aquaculture operators, who chose to ignore security concerns at the ESSZone in favour of profits.
"What is sadder are the public's negative perception and their questioning of ESSCom's capability and efficacy in carrying out its duties," he said.
To address such issues, several initiatives were carried out to clear up the misconceptions the public has on the department. This includes launching programmes like "ESSCom Bersama Masyarakat" (ESSCom With The People).
"We have also held more religious, social and sports activities for ESSCom staff and locals in the ESSZone so that they may get to know each other better and help garner better support for the department," he added.
PROPOSAL FOR RESTRICTED AREAS
To enhance and strengthen security in the ESSZone, Abdul Rashid said they had proposed for several islands in Semporna to be converted into restricted areas.
He said 11 islands and one reef had been proposed to be made into restricted zones in Semporna, covering 146.16 square nautical miles, under the Protected Areas And Protected Places Act 1959.
"This proposal was brought to the Chief Government Security Office on May 2, 2015 and is still under discussion.
"These restricted zones are important in ensuring the safety of the people in the ESSZone. We hope the proposal will be approved by the government," he added.
The proposed islands are Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Maiga, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Mantabuan, Terumbu Sibangkat, Pulau Sibangkat, Pulau Selakan, Pulau Tetangan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, Pulau Kulapuan, Pulau Bohayen and Pulau Timba-Timba.
CURFEW
Abdul Rashid said curfews have been implemented in the east coast of Sabah since last year, to prepare for any eventualities, including foreigners committing cross-border crimes.
On Aug 23, 2015, the 7pm to 5am curfew entered its 26th phase, when it was extended to Sept 6.
He said the curfew implemented involves an area of three nautical miles from the beach as it was an area often threatened by cross-border crimes such as kidnapping for ransom and that by the Abu Sayyaf group.
On views that the curfew hindered coastal economic activities, he said it was baseless.
"Marine operators are given the flexibility to carry out fishing activities during curfew by obtaining permits from their respective district police chiefs.
"Besides that, coastal fishermen can also fish as usual, up to three nautical miles (from the coast)," said Abdul Rashid.
He said the curfew was extended to facilitate enforcement and the surveillance of boats attempting to trespass and commit cross-border crimes.
REASSURING THE PEOPLE
In the bid to ease the hearts and minds of the people, Abdul Rashid said ESSCom focused on communicating with all ethnicities in the ESSZone, without favouring one over the other.
"We have also carried out engagement programmes with tribe leaders and fishing communities in each district of the ESSZone from time to time.
"We have also worked with several associations including the Sabah Suluk Association to organise community and religious programmes," he said.
-- BERNAMA
SEMPORNA (Bernama) -- It is a challenge in itself to maintain security at Sabah's eastern front, what more to coordinate several different agencies to strive for the purpose.
However, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has done just that. It has successfully coordinated the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and public agencies in achieving the required outcome.
This has helped in lessening communication gaps as well as improving coordination in maintaining security at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
The ESSCom commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said the department has been successful in creating an ESSCom-centred work culture in which results and tasks were oriented towards achieving the objectives of the department. This is as stipulated under the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013.
"Each agency has its own doctrine and work methods, but this does not hamper collaboration. We have a pleasant working environment that is acceptable to everyone in ESSCom," he told Bernama.
ESSCom was formed following the Sulu terrorists intrusion in Tanduo, Lahad Datu in February 2013 to preserve the harmony and sovereignty of Sabah, particularly in the ESSZone. In so far ESSCom has proven its capability to do so.
ESSZone comprises 10 districts namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.
EXTERNAL CHALLENGES
ESSCom faces multiple challenges in carrying out its duties. One of the main ones is helping external agencies adapt their roles and responsibilities towards achieving the goals and purposes of the department.
Abdul Rashid said they also had trouble gaining cooperation from some tour and aquaculture operators, who chose to ignore security concerns at the ESSZone in favour of profits.
"What is sadder are the public's negative perception and their questioning of ESSCom's capability and efficacy in carrying out its duties," he said.
To address such issues, several initiatives were carried out to clear up the misconceptions the public has on the department. This includes launching programmes like "ESSCom Bersama Masyarakat" (ESSCom With The People).
"We have also held more religious, social and sports activities for ESSCom staff and locals in the ESSZone so that they may get to know each other better and help garner better support for the department," he added.
PROPOSAL FOR RESTRICTED AREAS
To enhance and strengthen security in the ESSZone, Abdul Rashid said they had proposed for several islands in Semporna to be converted into restricted areas.
He said 11 islands and one reef had been proposed to be made into restricted zones in Semporna, covering 146.16 square nautical miles, under the Protected Areas And Protected Places Act 1959.
"This proposal was brought to the Chief Government Security Office on May 2, 2015 and is still under discussion.
"These restricted zones are important in ensuring the safety of the people in the ESSZone. We hope the proposal will be approved by the government," he added.
The proposed islands are Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Maiga, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Mantabuan, Terumbu Sibangkat, Pulau Sibangkat, Pulau Selakan, Pulau Tetangan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, Pulau Kulapuan, Pulau Bohayen and Pulau Timba-Timba.
CURFEW
Abdul Rashid said curfews have been implemented in the east coast of Sabah since last year, to prepare for any eventualities, including foreigners committing cross-border crimes.
On Aug 23, 2015, the 7pm to 5am curfew entered its 26th phase, when it was extended to Sept 6.
He said the curfew implemented involves an area of three nautical miles from the beach as it was an area often threatened by cross-border crimes such as kidnapping for ransom and that by the Abu Sayyaf group.
On views that the curfew hindered coastal economic activities, he said it was baseless.
"Marine operators are given the flexibility to carry out fishing activities during curfew by obtaining permits from their respective district police chiefs.
"Besides that, coastal fishermen can also fish as usual, up to three nautical miles (from the coast)," said Abdul Rashid.
He said the curfew was extended to facilitate enforcement and the surveillance of boats attempting to trespass and commit cross-border crimes.
REASSURING THE PEOPLE
In the bid to ease the hearts and minds of the people, Abdul Rashid said ESSCom focused on communicating with all ethnicities in the ESSZone, without favouring one over the other.
"We have also carried out engagement programmes with tribe leaders and fishing communities in each district of the ESSZone from time to time.
"We have also worked with several associations including the Sabah Suluk Association to organise community and religious programmes," he said.
-- BERNAMA
No comments:
Post a Comment