ESSCOM Formulates 2024-2028 Strategic Plan To Bolster Eastern Sabah Safety Zone

LAHAD DATU, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) is formulating a strategic action plan from 2024 to 2028 aimed at enhancing security in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESS Zone).

ESSCOM Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said the blueprint aligned with the government's aspirations under Budget 2026, focusing on national security and enhancing the welfare of security personnel.

"The primary objective of this plan is to strengthen operational and technological capabilities through high-impact security development projects," he said in his speech at the ESSCOM Parade Ceremony Series 2 here today.

In line with this initiative, he said that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), ESSCOM had requested an allocation of RM42.93 million for eight projects, with the hope that the request under the first rolling plan would be approved to begin procurement next year.

"The projects include the procurement of support weapons, tactical scuba diving equipment, multipurpose vehicles (ESSCOM Mobile), and specialised gear for ESSCOM's special forces," he said.

"Additionally, the projects include procuring 96 housing units for ESSCOM quarters, a hostel building, tactical drones, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)," he added.

He added that ESSCOM was focusing on various security enhancement initiatives that incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) to improve border surveillance and field operations.

"ESSCOM supports the Home Ministry's (KDN) aspiration of 'KDN for AI, AI for KDN', focusing on projects such as the installation of long-range cameras in Indrasabah (Tawau) and Pulau Banggi (Kudat).

"Upgrades will also be made to the ESSCOM Fusion Centre (EFC), along with the acquisition of tactical floating barges in Pulau Banggi and Pulau Sebatik (Tawau), and a fibre optic system in Pulau Sebatik," he said.

Meanwhile, Victor said that between January and September this year, 13 operations were carried out, resulting in seizures worth RM1.7 million, leading to 140 arrests.

"Among the arrests was a special operation on June 10 in Kunak, which led to the detention of two Filipino nationals suspected to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) Sulu Base, under the Immigration Act," he said.

-- BERNAMA