Govt Plans to Expand Cooperation between ESSCom and Security Agencies in Philippine, Indonesia, Says Hishammuddin

atuk Seri Malaysian Minister With Special Functions Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Lahad Datu, 2 Syaban 1438/29 April 2017 (MINA) — Minister With Special Functions Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Friay said that the government was planning to expand the cooperation between the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) and the security agencies in Philippine and Indonesia to strengthen security in Sulu Sea, Bernama reported.

Hishammuddin, who is also Defence Minister, said that plan came out after taking into consideration the success of cooperation between the security forces of Malaysia, Philippine and Indonesia through the initiatives undertaken by the three countries.

“The cooperation will ensure there will be no overlapping or wastage of assets, as well as to ensure quicker response and better information-sharing process.

“There is no reason why we cannot expand the cooperation to other agencies in ESSCom as carried out by the Defence Ministry through the trilateral cooperation with its counterparts in the Philippines and Indonesia,” he told reporters after a visit and briefing on the latest development in ESSCom here today.

He said the cooperation was very important to curb the threat of Daesh militants, who were seeking a new location to build their influence.

“Daesh militants is a major threat and we do not want them to set up their base here. That is why the cooperation between these three neighbouring countries should be forged before it is too late,” he said.

Commenting on his visit to ESSCom, Hishammuddin said it was aimed at obtaining a clearer picture on the latest approach by ESScom to maintain the security and sovereignty in the area.

“The visit to ESSCom is part of my initial approach as Special Functions Minister to assist the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to strengthen security in Sabah especially through ESSCom Monitoring Committee chaired by himself.

“Apart from that, we will also work closely with the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman in terms of operational and technical matters,” he said.

Hishammuddin said ESSCom was set up to play the role of an effective security organisation in ESSZone and to create a peaceful environment in the east coast of Sabah.

“I believe there is still room for improvement to further improve the credibility of ESSCom,” he said. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)