Sabahans want EssCom reviewed, not replaced

Industry players want regular meetings with the government and EssCom on security aspects and related policies.

TAWAU: Several associations in Sabah have expressed concern on the “ineffectiveness” of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (EssCom) which covers the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (EssZone). The zone is made up of ten districts along the eastern seaboard.

The Tawau Tiong Hua Chamber of Commerce (TTHCC) told the Daily Express that EssCom should be reviewed and strengthened, not replaced with a new body. “Malaysians should not be left out,” said TTHCC Chairman Lo Sui Fui. “EssCom should not just look after foreign tourists.”

He was speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with associations related to the fishing industry. “There should be a meeting of industry players in the east coast and EssCom,” said Lo.

Several other associations, including those which met with TTHCC, spoke up on EssCom.

Jenny Tong, who represented the Resort Operators Association, felt that EssCom has done a good job in keeping resorts safe. “It has protected them from cross border criminals,” she added.

Semporna Local Tourism Operators Association Chairman, Karino Jalani, called for EssCom to set up an auxiliary security force. “Those who know the ‘rat trails’, used by cross border criminals, should help make up the force.”

He wants at least two EssCom personnel assigned to each fishing boat.

Sabah Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce (Tawau branch) Chairman Mohd Aziz Ali noted there appears to be “redundancy of tasks” among security agencies. “All directives issued (by EssCom) should follow standard operating procedures.”

He urged the government and EssCom to invite industry players to every meeting on security and policies covering such aspects.

The United Sabah Fisheries and Boat Owners Association (USFBOA) Chairman Arsani Arsat wants the curfew covering EssZone to be reviewed.

He finds it strange that permits are issued when a curfew order is issued. “Why are permits still being issued?” he asked. “There appears to be leniency.”

If EssCom is going to be lenient, he stressed, there was no need to impose curfews. “There have been 50 curfew orders since 2013. They should be reviewed since kidnappings still continue.”

He complained that 40 per cent of the 800 fishing boats in EssZone have since become inactive. “This is especially true in Kunak.”

Arsani wants EssCom to place at least two personnel on board each fishing vessel. “At present, EssCom personnel are only placed at resorts.”

Fishermen and tugboats who had yet to install the Automatic Identification System should be given more time, he pleaded. “It may be beyond their financial capabilities.”

Those yet to install the devices, he said, should not be prohibited from going out to sea.