SABAH is calling for the expedited construction of two additional General Operations Force (GOF) battalion complexes to bolster security across the state. 

Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said the soon-to-be-completed Battalion 21 in Keningau and Battalion 22 in Kunak would significantly enhance state security. 

He said this would complement the existing five battalions in the state that were located in Kinarut, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, and Beluran. 

“Sabah is a vast state surrounded by three seas: the South China Sea to the west, the Sulu Sea to the northeast, and the Celebes Sea to the east. To the south, we share a border with Indonesia,” Hajiji said during an event at the Menara Kinabalu administrative building in Kota Kinabalu, today.   

“The additional GOF complexes are essential not only to thwart subversive activities but also to curb smuggling of fuel, logs, drugs and other contraband.” 

Hajiji was speaking at the launch of the book “General Operations Force, Sabah Brigade: Eliminating Terrorists and The Fifth Column in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu”, which detailed the security operation against the 2013 Tanduo intrusion. 

Sabah continues to face security challenges, including illegal immigration and cross-border crimes. Past incidents have included kidnappings and armed intrusions. 

Countries such as Australia, the United States, and Canada have issued travel advisories for their citizens, urging them to avoid non-essential travel to specific areas, including islands and dive sites from Sandakan to Tawau. 

During the event, Hajiji commended the collaboration between the Sabah General Operations Force and the Archive Department in publishing the book on the 2013 Tanduo intrusion. 

The 2013 incident involved a terrorist group claiming Sabah for the defunct Sulu sultanate, a claim which Hajiji reiterated has never been recognised by Malaysia. 

“The Sulu Sultanate ceased to exist several decades ago and is not recognized by any sovereign country or international organisation. This group’s attempt to claim sovereignty over a part of Malaysia was baseless,” said Hajiji. 

The chief minister reaffirmed Sabah’s stance against recognising any claim from those who assert themselves as heirs of the Sulu sultanate. – July 30, 2024.