DESPITE Putrajaya’s financial constraints, which could impact allocation for defence measures, Sabah will push to boost security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), said Mohd Shafie Apdal.

The chief minister said numerous suggestions have been made to the federal government, including increasing military assets in the region, but whether they will be implemented depends on the funds allocated.

Among the suggestions are relocating the Lok Kawi army camp to Lahad Datu, establishing an airbase in ESSZone, upgrading the existing radar system, updating security procedures and employing surveillance drones to curb cross-border crimes, he said.

“Regarding ESSZone, the state government has always given top priority to efforts to increase security to the highest level, including getting more military assets, based on current needs.

“To strengthen defence, we are undertaking a study on restructuring ESSZone’s authoritative body, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom),” he said in the state assembly today.

Shafie, who is also Sabah Security Council chairman, said the fifth brigade, which was originally based in Lok Kawi, is now stationed at Camp Paradise in Kota Belud.

A new brigade, called 15th Cenderawasih, has been established. It is stationed in Lahad Datu, near the ESSCom headquarters.

An army battalion is stationed in Tawau, two hours from Lahad Datu by road, to support 15th Cenderawasih, said Shafie.

He said at the moment, there is a need to beef up ESSZone’s security without relocating the Lok Kawi camp.

“Relocating the camp to the east coast would serve as a deterrent to cross-border crimes. But since Lok Kawi serves much like the headquarters for the military in Sabah, the current practice is to not station the ‘head office’ on the front line.”

He added that the state, on its own, does not have the military strength to combat intrusions and other security threats. – August 7, 2019.