ESSCom strengthens border security patrols with additional ground assets

KALABAKAN, Nov 18 -- The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) is in the process of acquiring additional logistical assets, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and scrambler motorcycles to strengthen patrols and security teams at the country’s borders.

ESSCom chief executive officer Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the request for additional ground assets was made through the Home Ministry and has been approved.

"The request has been approved by the government through leasing and we are waiting for the additional ground assets to arrive at any moment.

"We requested 18 ATV units and 10 scrambler motorcycles for the use of security teams at the district’s borders as the area is hilly and covered with thick forests,” he said.

He said this to reporters during an inspection to the country’s borders between Serudong, Kalabakan, Sabah and Simanggaris, North Kalimantan, Indonesia, which is the suggested area for the building of a security command post, yesterday.

Meanwhile, Jamaluddin said ESSCom has proposed that the construction of a security post be included in the 12th Malaysia Plan.

"The construction of the post is an effort to prevent cross-border crimes, as well as  the entry of illegal immigrants and smuggling.

"Based on information from security teams, there are many smuggling routes in the area that are used by smugglers to commit cross-border crimes,” he added.

--BERNAMA