KOTA KINABALU: Intelligence-sharing efforts between the security agencies of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines are progressing smoothly.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the tripartite cooperation has seen the three countries, which share maritime borders, exchange vital information with regards to security.
"We have received lots of information (on security and cross-border crimes) from the other parties, especially from the Philippines.
"Next week, I will attend a Trilateral Cooperative Agreement (TCA) meeting in the Philippines to share our reports," he said.
He said the TCA, among others, is a platform for Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia to share views and information.
He said joint patrols between the three countries were still ongoing.
Hazani was speaking to reporters after briefing Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, who is also Esscom chairman, on the agency's monthly report in a closed-door meeting at the latter’s office.
Touching on Sabah’s security level, Hazani gave his assurance that the situation was under control. Esscom, he said, was ever ready to respond to any emergency as well as tracking down cross-border criminals, particularly members of ‘kidnap for ransom’ groups.
"Despite a shortage in manpower, we are also doing our very best to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants, especially in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone.
"This is evident through weekly arrests, not just by Esscom, but also other enforcement agencies. Last week, the police detained 40 individuals in Tawau," he said.
Hazani said Esscom would continue to intensify road and sea check points to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants into the east coast and the interior.
He said Esscom would also proceed with plans to set up sea check points in five identified locations following state government's decision to reopen barter trade activities.
"We want to ensure that all barter trade vessels pass through check points for reports and inspections before they were allowed to enter the east coast.
"Currently, we are just waiting for the budget from the Federal government (to establish the sea check points)," he said.