KOTA KINABALU: It is time for action and to use the full force of the law to protect Sabah’s borders in light of the precarious security situation along the east coast.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said while there must be a balance of humanitarian consideration and strict management of the border, the security of Sabahans is paramount.
Commenting on the possible influx of Filipinos fleeing to this state in the wake of the Philippine military offensive in its southern region, Masidi said another trilateral meeting is urgently needed amongst the three neighbouring nations - Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines - to find a definitive solution.
"The best way is to sit down at a regional conference with all stakeholders. The current problem can only be solved if all three countries are able to have a definitive plan to combat this problem and roll it out properly," he told reporters.
Masidi said this after delivering his keynote address at a marine environment workshop focusing on holistic security for the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone), held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) here.
Earlier in his speech, he said what was happening in the southern Philippines will have large implications for the state, just like in the 1970s, when there was an influx of Filipino refugees.
Masidi stressed that authorities must be alert and wise enough to differentiate between civilians fleeing here for safety, and Abu Sayyaf members taking advantage of the situation and slipping in under pretence.