Opposition takes security forces to task

KUALA LUMPUR: After the recent kidnapping in Sandakan, Opposition MPs are questioning why security forces equipped with advanced technology are incapable of stopping boats and a few men with guns from intruding into Sabah.
Julian Tan (DAP-Stampin) said this is especially embarrassing since the government had allocated RM660 million to enhance the security of Sabah's coastlines in Budget 2015.
"It's not like the kidnappers brought advanced combat equipment, they are not using warships, submarines, or anti-aircraft artillery, but only boats," Tan told a press conference in Parliament today.
Bernard Then, 39, and Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, were kidnapped from the Ocean King Restaurant at about 7.45pm on May 14, the latest of a string of kidnappings in recent years.
Tan asked if the government is currently using its drone assets to monitor the coastline as these would have been able to cover large areas at a time.
He said the government through the Finance Ministry's subsidiary Composites Technology Research Malaysia (CTRM) had acquired a package of drones and control centre for approximately RM10 million.
The drones, he said, can fly for up to 24 hours depending on the payload at an altitude of 19,500 feet.
First Admiral (R) Mohd Imran Abdul Hamid (PKR-Lumut) said that if the drones are used, they must be equipped with night or thermal vision as the kidnappings frequently occur at night.
Mohd Imran also questioned if the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has emergency deployment procedures where if activated security forces will shut off the border.
"There could have been a 'red button' used in emergencies. For example, when a kidnapping is reported, assets can immediately be deployed to shut off the borders to prevent the kidnappers from leaving," he said.