Security in East Malaysia buffed up

PETALING JAYA: The Defence Ministry has stationed more personnel in East Malaysia to prevent militants from entering Malaysia.
Its Minister, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussien, said this is among the preventive measures taken against any possible crime that might occur in Sabah, particularly the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
Hishammuddin added other measures included placing more jet fighters there, adding a battalion in its forward bases, two offshore bases and a helicopter base in Lahad Datu.
"The proactive measures to place these assets in Sabah and our trilateral efforts with Indonesia and Philippines has been working so far.
"Many did not realise this but the peace and safety in this country doesn't come easily, these things can only be achieved when proactive measures are taken and there is cooperation between nations," Hishammuddin said during a press conference after launching the Mutiara Pernama complex at the Royal Military Airforce Subang airbase here today.
Hishammuddin added his working visit to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and United Arab Emirates next week will also pave the way to improve methods in the fight against the growing Islamic State influence.