ESSCom gets RM11 mil to repair, upgrade infrastructure

LAHAD DATU (Jan 19, 2014): The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has been allocated RM11 million to repair and upgrade infrastructure at 62 sentry posts manned by the armed forces and the General Operations Force (PGA) in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
In disclosing this, ESSCom director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said the upgrading would be implemented in stages this year. He said this was part of ESSCom's short- and long-term plans of action or strategic planning to enhance security in the Sabah east coast that had experienced an attack early last year by terrorists from the Sulu province in the southern Philippines.
"This will surely boost our security forces' resolute will and determination to man our porous east coast border," Mohammad said in his speech at the launch of the Taman Palm Garden housing project, the first gated-and-guarded condominium in Lahad Datu with 24-hour security guard and latest CCTV services, near here, today.
Also present were Lahad Datu assemblyman Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal and Primecon Sdn Bhd director Chai Kim Ong.
In addition, Mohammad said, the government, through ESSCom, would spend RM2.28 million to soon rebuild the 32 houses burned down in Tanjung Labian during the Sulu gunmen's intrusion in Lahad Datu.
Stressing the importance of maintaining security, he said security was a critical foundation of prosperity.
"Trade and commerce, including the housing business, cannot be sustained in areas where security is under threat," he said.
In this respect, Mohammad said, the establishment of the ESSCom, the authoritative body that oversees ESSZone, was timely and appropriate. He said this showed the government's commitment and seriousness in ensuring the security and well-being of the people in the east coast areas, thus boosting investor confidence in the booming oil palm areas, particularly in Lahad Datu.
For example, he said, state-owned POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, the developer of the Lahad Datu Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC Lahad Datu), recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Evolution Energy LLC of the United States in Kota Kinabalu, that could translate into a RM500-million investment to produce gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and clean burning coal from oil palm fronds and trunks by late 2015.
"And, today, we witness the launching of the Taman Palm Garden condominium project here in Lahad Datu. Obviously, this is another indication of the growing confidence of the private sector to invest in eastern Sabah - a safe place for investment.
"Let me assure you that we in ESSCom are always trying our level best to control and secure every inch of our eastern Sabah's porous border. This is a huge challenge for ESSCom. We are aware that the people of Sabah, in particular, and Malaysia, in general, have high hopes on ESSCom to deliver the goods ... that's why we have come up with short- and long-term plans of action or strategic planning to meet the desired goal," he said.
Mohammad said maintaining peace and promoting security were not easy tasks and should not be shouldered by the security forces or government alone.
"To this end, we need to work together or work hand-in-hand in facing the increasingly complex and diverse security challenges, including transnational crime such as intrusion and kidnapping.
"We must seek security or maintain security on the basis of cooperation. Dialogue and cooperation are fundamental to maintaining security.
"Let us start this noble mission within our neighbourhood - residential areas," he said. Mohammad welcomed the initiative undertaken by Primecon, the developer of Taman Palm Garden, to provide 24-hour security guard and latest CCTV services. – Bernama