KL tightens security around Sabah

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) have been instructed to tighten border security around Sabah following the recent spate of terror attacks in neighbouring countries, said Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

“This initiative involves adding two patrol vessels which were deployed today to assist in the tightening of controls in the waters of Sabah, assigning the Quick Reaction Force and its troops to operate in neighbouring islands off Sabah, as well as increasing combat patrol boats in areas identified as the southern Philippines’ entry points,” he said on Saturday.

He said an additional army infantry company will be stationed in Cenderawasih in Lahad Datu, while additional troops have been added to ensure that the beaches of Lahad Datu are fully guarded.

“The additional troops are to ensure that the coastal areas of Lahad Datu are fully manned ... This includes moving additional assets that have the ability to counter and respond quickly on any threat,” said the minister.

In response to recent terror attacks in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, Mr Hishammuddin said, the MAF would continue to work closely with relevant counterparts to strengthen security, including the sharing of intelligence information.

Sabah has suffered from armed intrusions and kidnappings in recent years — the most serious in 2013, when Malaysian security forces staged a month-long assault at a village in Lahad Datu against militants from the southern Philippines, who claimed Sabah belonged to their royal clan.

Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have commenced joint patrols in the Sulu Sea last month aimed at putting an end to decades of lawlessness in the resource-rich waters.

Mr Hishammuddin was appointed as Minister with Special Functions last month. Safeguarding the security of Sabah is one of the tasks in his new portfolio. AGENCIES