Latest news with #EasternSabahSecurityCommand
The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
No longer just safe, but thriving
Site visit: Saifuddin Nasution visiting a border control post on Mataking Island in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. — Bernama KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, particularly the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), remains a safe and secure destination for foreign tourists, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Once marred by past security incidents, he said the region is now seeing tourism flourish and local livelihoods improve, which is a clear result of sustained peace and targeted development. 'This year marks the second time the Home Ministry, in collaboration with the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), has brought diplomats and foreign representatives from the United States, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, China, South Korea and Spain for a series of one-day visits to key tourist locations within the ESSZone,' he said. 'Security is no longer the only story here. It is about transformation. What we see today is the direct outcome of peace: jobs, income and thriving tourism,' he said during a site visit to Semporna's islands with a delegation of diplomatic representatives and officials yesterday. Also present was Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Saifuddin Nasution said tourist arrivals to Sabah's east coast have more than quadrupled since 2022. Official figures show 64,470 tourist arrivals in 2022, which jumped to 313,128 in 2023 and reached 319,479 by the end of May 2024. 'These are not just tourists from anywhere. Many are from countries that previously issued travel advisories to their citizens regarding the east coast of Sabah. 'This surge in visitors is proof that the perception is changing, people are coming back, and in bigger numbers,' he added. He said that countries such as Japan are already reviewing their travel advisories here following previous diplomatic engagements, adding that progress is being made with others like the United States, Britain, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. 'These advisories still hold weight and affect public perception. That is why we do not wait for second-hand assumptions, we invite foreign representatives to experience the situation for themselves.' He said that the region's turnaround is not accidental, but a result of coordinated efforts under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and the Federal Government's Madani Economic Framework. He added that face-to-face engagements with international stakeholders remain the ministry's preferred strategy in changing outdated perceptions. 'There is no substitute for direct experience. 'We want them to see, hear and understand what Sabah really is today,' he said. With positive changes taking root, Saifuddin Nasution said the ultimate goal is for countries to revise travel warnings that no longer reflect the current reality.
The Star
19 hours ago
- The Star
Sabah's east coast not just safe, but thriving, says Home Minister
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's east coast is no longer just a safe zone, it has become a thriving region that has been transformed by peace, prosperity and growing global confidence, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. The Home Minister said that the region, once marred by past security incidents, was now seeing tourism flourish and local livelihoods improve, a clear result of sustained peace and targeted development. 'Security is no longer the only story here. It is about transformation. What we see today is the direct outcome of peace: jobs, income, and thriving tourism,' said Saifuddin during a site visit to Semporna's islands with a delegation of foreign diplomats and officials on Saturday (July 5). Also present was state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Saifuddin noted that tourist arrivals to Sabah's east coast have more than quadrupled since 2022. Official figures show 64,470 tourist arrivals in 2022, which jumped to 313,128 in 2023 and reached 319,479 by the end of May 2024. 'These are not just tourists from anywhere. Many are from countries that previously issued travel advisories. This surge in visitors is living proof that the perception is changing, people are coming back, and in bigger numbers,' Saifuddin said. He said that countries such as Japan are already reviewing their travel advisories following previous diplomatic engagements, adding that progress is being made with others like the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. 'These advisories still hold weight and affect public perception. That is why we do not wait for second-hand assumptions, we invite foreign representatives to experience the situation for themselves,' he told reporters. He shared an example of one of the emerging success stories at Kampung Indra Sabah, a quiet island village now gaining traction among divers and eco-tourists, where the community, once dependent solely on fishing, had begun to pivot towards tourism, offering homestays, boat services, and cultural experiences. 'The peace we have built here is opening up new avenues for locals. Families are earning more, young people are finding jobs without having to leave home, and small businesses are growing,' said Saifuddin. Saifuddin stressed that the region's turnaround is not accidental, but a result of coordinated efforts under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) and alignment with the Federal Government's Madani Economic Framework. 'Peace is not just the absence of conflict. It is the presence of opportunity. Sabah's east coast is proof that when security is guaranteed, prosperity follows. This is the MADANI vision in action, empowering communities and uplifting lives,' he said. He added that face-to-face engagements with international stakeholders remain the ministry's preferred strategy in changing outdated perceptions. 'There is no substitute for direct experience. We want them to see, hear, and understand what Sabah really is today,' he said. With positive changes taking root, Saifuddin said the ultimate goal is for countries to revise travel warnings that no longer reflect the current reality. 'Look at the visitor numbers, the thriving communities, the booming tourism sector. This is not just about being safe. It is about a region that's alive, ambitious, and on the rise,' he said. Meanwhile, he gave top marks to ESSCom and its partner agencies for their seamless coordination in safeguarding the state's east coast. He highlighted how security forces across nine districts are working in synchronisation, with rotational deployments ensuring a constant presence on land and sea, noting that Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN this year has boosted joint operations, intelligence sharing, and evolving cross-border strategies, reinforcing the region's stability. To complement these efforts, Saifuddin said tourism police units are being strengthened to provide on-the-ground support to travellers. Their presence ensures quick assistance, helps build trust among foreign visitors, and contributes to a more secure and welcoming environment across key tourism zones. Saifuddin took the foreign visitors to visit four islands in Semporna, namely Omadal, Sibuan, Bohey Dulang, and Mataking.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Esscom brings benefits to ESSZone while maintaining security
TAWAU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) which was established 14 years ago has maintained its excellent performance not only in creating peace but also in bringing benefits to the community in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone). Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Esscom remained committed to its core task of creating peace and through that, many government plans could be implemented, including the Madani Adopted Village Programme in Kampung Inderasabah here. "Esscom, with an allocation of RM1 million, has selected Kampung Inderasabah to carry out several physical and non-physical infra projects," he told reporters after officiating the Esscom Madani Adopted Village in Kampung Inderasabah on Friday. He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had previously announced an allocation of RM200 million for the implementation of the programme this year, which involved 200 villages nationwide, including 12 or 13 villages under the Home Ministry. Esscom chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the selection of Kampung Inderasabah was based on several important justifications, including the unique security challenges faced. He said the justification was also seen from the aspect of potential for eco-tourism and fisheries development as well as the geographical location of the village which is close to the border of the waters of neighbouring Indonesia. "The Finance Ministry agreed with Esscom's proposal and approved RM1 million on March 1, projects received approval from the ministry, namely the construction of the village entrance gate, upgrading the pavilion, the open hall of SK Inderasabah, the futsal court and the Al-Furqon Mosque. "Other projects include the upgrading and installation of solar street lights in the village, repairing the village footbridge, the jetty at the base, the Kemas Daycare Center area, and the church in addition to implementing programmes with the local community," he said. Jamaluddin said Esscom, in collaboration with Tawau Municipal Council and GiatMara Tawau as the implementing agency, would ensure that the projects involved ran smoothly and were given priority so that they could be completed this year. "Esscom also hopes that through this initiative, it can further strengthen the relationship between Esscom and the community in ESSZone, thus ensuring Eastern Sabah area continues to be peaceful, prosperous and resilient," he added. Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said for the past 14 years, Kampung Inderasabah community has been a strategic partner for Esscom, whether in terms of prevention of cross-border crimes, including involvement in community programmes. "On behalf of the residents of Apas constituency, I would like to express my gratitude and welcome this initiative because we are confident that it will bring progressive change and address the problem of poverty as well as ensuring infrastructure in the village is improved," said Nizam, who is also the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister. – Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
ESSCOM boosts security and community benefits in Sabah's ESSZone
TAWAU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) has upheld its dual role of ensuring security and fostering community development in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) over the past 14 years. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail highlighted ESSCOM's commitment to peace, enabling initiatives like the MADANI Adopted Village Programme in Kampung Inderasabah. Saifuddin noted that ESSCOM allocated RM1 million for infrastructure projects in the village, including physical and non-physical upgrades. The programme, part of a nationwide RM200 million initiative by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to benefit 200 villages, with 12 to 13 under the Home Ministry. ESSCOM CEO Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali explained that Kampung Inderasabah was chosen due to its unique security challenges, eco-tourism potential, and proximity to Indonesian waters. Approved projects include a village entrance gate, pavilion upgrades, a school hall, futsal court, and mosque improvements. Solar street lights, footbridge repairs, and community programmes are also planned. Collaborating with the Tawau Municipal Council and GiatMARA Tawau, ESSCOM ensures timely project completion. Jamaluddin emphasized strengthening ESSCOM-community ties to sustain peace and prosperity in Eastern Sabah. Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan praised ESSCOM's long-term partnership with the village in crime prevention and community development. He expressed confidence that the projects would alleviate poverty and enhance infrastructure. - Bernama
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia dips in Global Peace Index but still ranks among the safest, says Saifuddin Nasution
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia has slipped slightly to 13th place in the 2024 Global Peace Index, down from 10th last year, but the government says the country remains firmly on track in its commitment to national and regional security. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the dip does not reflect any deterioration in Malaysia's safety or security levels, noting that the country's overall peace score remained unchanged from 2023. 'Our ranking dropped not because of any decline on our part, but because two Scandinavian countries improved their peace scores and moved ahead of us,' he explained. Speaking after launching the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom)-KDN MADANI Adopted Village Programme at Kampung Inderasabah, Saifuddin stressed that Malaysia still ranks as one of the safest countries in the Asia-Pacific, alongside Singapore, Japan and New Zealand. 'This minor shift in position should not overshadow the consistent efforts by all agencies, especially Esscom, in maintaining security, particularly in high-risk areas like Sabah's east coast,' he said. He added that Malaysia's strong performance is the result of coordinated action by agencies under the Ministry, particularly Esscom, which continues to play a critical role in safeguarding vulnerable regions. 'We are still in the top tier among 165 countries. The focus now is to maintain momentum and use our safety credentials to draw more tourists and investors,' he said. Saifuddin also noted that the increasing number of international tourists arriving in Semporna and surrounding areas, along with new international flight routes to Tawau, reflects growing global confidence in the region's security. The event also marked the launch of the Esscom Madani Adopted Village Programme, with RM1mil allocated to each selected village for both physical and non-physical development projects, including school upgrades and community infrastructure improvements.
