LAHAD DATU: The safety of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) will ensure the state's prosperity and enable Sabah to have sustainable economic growth.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said it was a critical decision made to establish ESSCOM 11 years ago following the Tanduo invasion incident.
"The decision has turned out to be correct and brings the best impact for today, especially from the political, economic, social aspects and also the history of the establishment of Esscom itself," he said in a statement in conjunction with Esscom's 11th anniversary.
He said it was important for citizens to carry out their duties and responsibilities with professionalism and integrity to ensure that the ESS Zone remains safe, peaceful, prosperous and sovereign, further maintaining a record of zero kidnappings since Jan 15, 2020.
"I would like to emphasise that ESSCOM is committed to raising the image of the ESS Zone as a prosperous zone.
"A proposal has been submitted to the government to change the colour of the ESS Zone map from red to white as a symbol of the prosperity of the region," he said.
He said the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and his entourage's visit to ESSCOM during their 2023 Borneo Tour in Sabah was significant given the current security situation in the ESSZone.
Chief executive officer of ESSCOM Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali expressed his appreciation and extended his congratulations to all those who continued to maintain the security of ESSCOM.
Victor and Jamaluddin also presented certificates of appreciation to ESSCOM's strategic partners in the ESS Zone, including the district office, district hospital, joint task force headquarters, Malaysian infantry brigade headquarters, police headquarters, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Civil Defence force, district council, marine police force, battalion 17 PGA, Immigration Department, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad, Rela and the National Registration Department in Lahad Datu.
Also present were Lahad Datu district officer Firuz Idzualdeen @ Benety Mohd Dzul; Lahad Datu Hospital director Dr Andi Md Shamsureezal Mohd Sainal; as well as senior officers of ESSCOM; heads of departments for state and federal agencies.