Latest news with #Esscom
The Star
06-07-2025
- 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.
Malay Mail
05-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Malaysia ranks 13th in Global Peace Index 2024, score unchanged despite drop from 10th place
TAWAU, July 5 — Malaysia has been ranked 13th in the Global Peace Index (GPI) this year, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He said that, although Malaysia's position changed from 10th place last year to 13th this year, the country's overall score remained at the same level. He also noted that Malaysia was ranked 19th in 2023. 'There are countries, including those in Scandinavia, which have improved their scores on two indicators, particularly in areas such as peacekeeping expenditure. These countries have now surpassed us in the rankings, even though our score has remained the same, because their performance has improved,' he said. 'This GPI takes into account dozens of indicators, and when compared with 165 countries worldwide, we are clearly on the right track. It is important for us to maintain this momentum of peace, and make the most of the GPI indicators,' he told reporters, after officiating the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Kampung Angkat Madani (Madani adopted village initiative), in Kampung Inderasabah, here, yesterday. A check on the website confirmed that Malaysia recorded a GPI score of 1.469, placing it 13th out of 163 countries. According to Saifuddin Nasution, one of the efforts to further improve Malaysia's GPI ranking is to attract more tourists to the country. He said that the Home Ministry has implemented various initiatives, including briefing sessions and security review programmes with foreign diplomats. 'The ministry has brought diplomats from high-potential countries, such as the United States and those in Europe, to the east coast of Sabah, so that they can see the situation for themselves, and encourage their citizens to visit Malaysia,' he said, adding that the programme has had a positive impact on boosting tourist arrivals to the east coast of Sabah. — Bernama
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- 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 Star
04-07-2025
- 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.
Daily Express
22-06-2025
- Daily Express
RM332,440 Tawau smuggled goods seizure
Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 By: Lagatha Toyos Text Size: Enforcement officers inspecting and seizing controlled goods during Ops Tiris in Tawau. TAWAU: Three locals suspected of attempting to misappropriate controlled goods were arrested during Ops Tiris raids at two separate locations with total seizures valued at RM332,440. Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Commander, DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos, said the suspects were aged between 31 and 37. He said the operation was conducted by Esscom's Security Division in strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, aimed at combating cross-border criminal activities. In the first operation, three individuals were detained along with a large quantity of diesel stored in a modified four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a special tank. The vehicle also carried several barrels of diesel stored around a petrol station area along Jalan Apas. 'The raiding team also seized mobile phones, receipts and two four-wheel-drive vehicles believed used in the illegal activity,' he said. Advertisement The suspects were handed over to KPDN's Enforcement Division for investigation under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. Victor said in a second operation near the Batu 3 Jetty, Jalan Apas, the enforcement team detected a suspicious boat entering Malaysian waters from the Indonesian maritime border. However, the boat's skipper and several passengers jumped into the sea and fled after realising the presence of authorities. Upon inspection, authorities found a local woman passenger along with cargo, and it was determined that the boat was used for cross-border smuggling. The woman failed to provide any Customs declaration documents for the items onboard. 'The authorities seized the boat with its outboard engine, several food items and a suspicious lorry parked near the jetty,' he said. Further investigation of the woman is being carried out by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department under the Customs Act 1967. Victor said the aim of the operation was to curb the smuggling of controlled, subsidised, and untaxed goods, as well as to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants. He affirmed Esscom's commitment to fighting cross-border crime, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), in support of national development initiatives and the strengthening of the community's socio-economic wellbeing, grounded in compassion, security, confidence, and sustainability in line with the aspirations of the Malaysia Madani agenda. He also urged the public to channel any information related to security incidents in the ESSZone to the Esscom Operations Centre via 089-863181 or WhatsApp at 011-63311072. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
