Kuala Lumpur: The Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) remains stable with a record of no kidnapping incidents since January 15, 2020, until now, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah. He attributed the success to the effective integrated operations carried out by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in close collaboration with national security forces and Philippine authorities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsul Anuar mentioned that studies conducted by ESSCOM indicate that the potential threat of militants and kidnapping activities in the country's border waters are at a controlled, peaceful level, assuring the people of Sabah that there is no cause for concern at this time. The situation has been aided by military operations and enforcement actions by Philippine authorities, which have weakened the activities of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and kidnapping-for-ransom groups (KFRG). The influence and movement of these groups on the east coast of Sabah have also decreased.
During a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat, Shamsul Anuar addressed a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin) regarding the effectiveness of ESSCOM in improving security levels involving kidnapping cases and other incidents recorded in the ESSZone from 2015 until now. Shamsul Anuar stated that since 2015, 20 ASG members have been shot dead, and 17 KFRG members have been arrested based on ESSCOM records.
Several ASG sub-leaders have also been successfully arrested or shot dead, and ASG cells were dismantled in Pulau Timbang, Sandakan in May and August 2021 through special operations coordinated by ESSCOM. This has rendered ASG and KFRG almost paralyzed in terms of their ability to carry out attacks and kidnappings.
He further revealed that 41 individuals have been arrested for involvement with terrorist groups through ESSCOM special operations since 2018. ESSCOM has successfully dismantled five ASG cells that planned to establish the region as their area of operations.
Shamsul Anuar emphasized that ESSCOM remains vigilant, prioritizing security and intelligence monitoring against threats from foreign militant groups and cross-border criminal elements. This focus is continually reviewed to adapt to evolving threats.
He also noted that the government's decision to place ESSCOM under the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) management on July 2, 2018, was correct, considering the current threats in the ESSZone area are primarily related to cross-border criminal activities. He explained that initiatives to maintain security and public order should be led by departments and agencies under KDN with expertise in enforcing relevant laws.
Shamsul Anuar responded to an original question from Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) regarding why ESSCOM operations were placed under the Home Ministry when the main threat in the area originates from outside, particularly from the Southern Philippines.