ESSCOM Brings benefits To ESSZone Community While Maintaining Security

TAWAU, July 4 (Bernama) -- The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) which was established 14 years ago has maintained its excellent performance not only in creating peace but also in bringing benefits to the community in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said ESSCOM remained committed to its core task of creating peace and through that, many government plans could be implemented, including the MADANI Adopted Village Programme in Kampung Inderasabah here.

"ESSCOM, with an allocation of RM1 million, has selected Kampung Inderasabah to carry out several physical and non-physical infra projects," he told reporters after officiating the ESSCOM MADANI Adopted Village in Kampung Inderasabah here today.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced an allocation of RM200 million for the implementation of the programme this year, which involved 200 villages nationwide, including 12 or 13 villages under the Home Ministry.

ESSCOM chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the selection of Kampung Inderasabah was based on several important justifications, including the unique security challenges faced.

He said the justification was also seen from the aspect of potential for eco-tourism and fisheries development as well as the geographical location of the village which is close to the border of the waters of neighbouring Indonesia.

"The Ministry of Finance agreed with ESSCOM's proposal and approved RM1 million on March 1, 2025...several projects received approval from the Ministry of Finance, namely the construction of the village entrance gate, upgrading the pavilion, the open hall of Sekolah Kebangsaan Inderasabah, the futsal court and the Al-Furqon Mosque.

"Other projects include the upgrading and installation of solar street lights in the village, repairing the village footbridge, the jetty at the base, the KEMAS Daycare Center area, and the church in addition to implementing programmes with the local community," he said.

Jamaluddin said ESSCOM, in collaboration with Tawau Municipal Council and GiatMARA Tawau as the implementing agency, would ensure that the projects involved ran smoothly and were given priority so that they could be completed this year.

"ESSCOM also hopes that through this initiative, it can further strengthen the relationship between ESSCOM and the community in ESSZone, thus ensuring Eastern Sabah area continues to be peaceful, prosperous and resilient," he added.

Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said for the past 14 years, Kampung Inderasabah community has been a strategic partner for ESSCOM, whether in terms of prevention of cross-border crimes, including involvement in community programmes.

"On behalf of the residents of Apas constituency, I would like to express my gratitude and welcome this initiative because we are confident that it will bring progressive change and address the problem of poverty as well as ensuring infrastructure in the village is improved," said Nizam, who is also the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister.

-- BERNAMA