ESSCOM Strengthens Security Ahead Of Sabah State Election

TAWAU, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) is beefing up security in the eastern region of Sabah to facilitate the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly and the 17th State Election (PRN).

Its commander, Datuk Victor Sanjos said ESSCOM, which involves the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, is on high alert to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and ensure the welfare of the people during the process.

“With elections also taking place in southern Philippines, we must remain vigilant, as the overlapping elections, including in Sabah, need our full attention," he told reporters after accompanying Perak Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, and his delegation on a visit to the Inderasabah General Operations Force (GOF) Security Post here today.

He added that ESSCOM's responsibility is to ensure a peaceful, secure, and safe voting process for the people, enabling them to fulfill their civic duty without fear.

"We do not want any negative elements or threats during this period, and all personnel will be deployed to specific locations as soon as the State Legislative Assembly is dissolved," he added.

Victor also urged the media and researchers to adopt the term "Eastern Sabah Safety Zone" (Zon Selamat Sabah Timur) when referring to the region.

"I would like to correct the frequent use of 'eastern coast' in this area. We should refer to it as 'Eastern Sabah,' which encompasses three domains: land, sea, and air," he clarified.

The Eastern Sabah Safety Zone covers 10 districts: Kudat, Pitas, Kota Marudu, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau.

-- BERNAMA