Strengthening ESSzone Security Critical To Realising Sabah’s Blue Economy Potential

LAHAD DATU, May 6 (Bernama) -- Strengthening security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) remains an uncompromised priority, essential to unlocking Sabah’s vast potential as a blue economy hub in the East Asian region.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that without comprehensive security guarantees, the vast potential of the blue economy, which encompasses modern fisheries, maritime industries, and coastal urban development, would not be able to thrive.

"Security remains the key catalyst to drive the state's prosperity and economic growth under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap.

"Strong security guarantees are the foundation of economic stability to ensure investor confidence remains high, thereby allowing economic activities to expand without boundaries," he said.

He said this in his speech during a security review of the ESSZone here today.

Hajiji said he is also hopeful that the local community will play a major role as the security forces' eyes and ears, reporting any suspicious activities in their surroundings.

"Security is a shared responsibility. Close cooperation between the people and the authorities is the primary key to preventing any untoward incidents for the sake of our beloved Sabah," he said.

Hajiji also advised all parties not to be complacent about any threats to the state, adding that the security approach must be continuously empowered, dynamic, and forward-looking, leveraging the latest technology and robust assets.

-- BERNAMA