Sabah: Sabah has received three rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIB) from the Home Ministry to strengthen operational capabilities and security patrols in the waters of the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESS Zone). Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said two of the speedboats are for use by the General Operations Force and the other was handed over to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the project, worth about RM4.5 million under the Fourth Rolling Plan (RP4) of the 12th Malaysia Plan, was implemented to enable increased security force operations in high-risk areas including Sungai Aji Kuning, Pulau Sebatik, and the waters of Tawau. Shamsul Anuar emphasized that this move is part of ESSCOM's preparedness in facing cross-border threats and curbing criminal smuggling activities in the waters of the east coast of Sabah.

The handover of the boats aligns with the implementation of the second phase of ESSCOM's blueprint planning, which focuses on strengthening security in the ESS Zone. Shamsul Anuar remarked that the new assets demonstrate the MADANI Government's commitment to enhancing the tactical capabilities of the security forces while ensuring that the country's sovereignty and peace are maintained.

Shamsul Anuar also stressed that the Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to support ESSCOM in terms of policies, assets, and human resources to ensure that the agency remains the main bastion of national security on the east coast of Sabah. The ESS Zone covers 10 districts, namely Kudat, Pitas, Kota Marudu, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau.