Kota kinabalu: A diplomatic push on security reassessment is necessary to encourage foreign missions in Malaysia to lower their travel advisories for Eastern Sabah following continuous safety improvements in the region, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He emphasised that effective communication with foreign embassies and high commissions regarding positive security milestones would bolster international tourist confidence and spur visitors to the state's east coast destinations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor stated, "This is important so that they can reassess and subsequently consider lowering their travel advisories for Eastern Sabah, based on the positive developments, particularly the fact that no kidnap-for-ransom cases have been reported in the area since January 2020." He affirmed that the security situation in the ESS Zone (Eastern Sabah Security Zone) is stable and remains under control, during a statement issued after co-chairing the ESS Zone Joint Committee meeting at Menara Kinabalu.
The meeting, co-chaired alongside Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, underscored the ongoing strategic alignment between the state and federal governments on regional maritime security. Hajiji noted that his recent visits to six islands in Sabah waters were aimed at inspecting security posts and assessing the operational readiness on the ground.
He highlighted that maintaining a zero-kidnapping record over the past six years is a significant milestone achieved through the dedicated efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and partner security forces. The Chief Minister expressed his highest appreciation to ESSCOM, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency for their sacrifices in safeguarding the state's land and sea borders.
The Sabah government, Hajiji assured, will continue to collaborate closely with the Home Ministry to upgrade security assets, enhance operational preparedness, and prioritise the welfare of personnel stationed along the frontier. The meeting was also attended by ESSCOM Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos, ESSCOM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali, Sabah State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, and Home Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Dr Awang Alik Jeman.