Pulau balambangan: The presence of security forces and the operation of the Remote Sensor Site (RSS) facility on Pulau Balambangan not only strengthens the country's maritime defence but also provides significant relief and security assurance to the local residents.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, for the community on that remote island, the presence of the control post and technological facilities have alleviated their concerns about the threat of intrusion, thereby instilling confidence to seek a livelihood and live their daily lives more peacefully.
The head of Kampung Selamat, Majon Toling, 58, said life on the island was previously very challenging, especially during emergencies due to the difficulty in connecting with the outside world caused by the lack of telecommunication coverage.
"Previously, if an incident occurred, we were at a loss on how to call for help because there was no phone or Internet coverage. The journey to Kudat town also takes time, and we have to rely on suitable boats for safety at sea.
"However, the government's decision to build the RSS and station security forces on this island has brought a new ray of hope. Along with the construction of that facility, we now have telecommunications access that allows us to connect with the outside world," he said to Bernama.
Pulau Balambangan, which covers an area of approximately 100 square kilometres, not only has strategic value from a defence perspective but is also famous for its limestone landscapes and pristine beaches.
Located at the northern tip of the Borneo archipelago and near the southern part of the Balabac Strait, Pulau Balambangan is home to more than 500 residents in Kampung Selamat, Kampung Selamat Darat and Kampung Kok Simpul.
Majon said the majority of the residents are from the Bajau Sama ethnic group, who mostly rely entirely on marine resources as their source of income.
"Our daily activity is catching fish for our own needs, and if there is any surplus, we will sell or distribute it to our neighbors. We also do some farming, but on a small scale due to the unsuitable soil conditions.
"Now, with the presence of security personnel, the residents feel assured to go out to sea. Moreover, the relationship between the security personnel and the villagers has become closer, making us feel very comfortable and safe," he said.
That feeling of safety is also shared by Junit Along, 44, a resident of Kampung Selamat Darat, who has been working as a boat driver for the past 15 years.
"Every day, I send residents and students to Sekolah Kebangsaan Balambangan. With the continuous monitoring by the security team in the waters, I no longer worry about the safety of the passengers," said Junit.
Meanwhile, retired government employee Biran Sipat, 65, admitted that initially, some residents felt shy and worried about the presence of uniformed personnel in their village, but the situation changed when they began to feel its positive impact.
"Over time, we have become very comfortable. If we go out to sea, we are no longer afraid of the threat of intruders that could endanger our lives. We are very grateful to the government for being concerned about our safety here," he said.
On April 23, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that currently, RSS Balambangan can monitor 70 per cent of the northern part of Sabah for any intrusions.