KOTA KINABALU, SABAH – Nominated assemblymen Datuk Yong Teck Lee says police success in neutralizing five terrorists in Beaufort shows that Abu Sayyaf bandits and other intruders have nowhere to hide.
The latest developments after apprehending eight other terror linked suspects from the same illegal settlement he said goes a long way in deterring potential intruders from trying to enter here.
“It came as a surprise that the terrorists were hiding at Beaufort, a district situated in the South West, far away from the ESSZONE in the East secured by ESSCOM (Eastern Command)…
“Nevertheless it is also likely that there are still members and sympathizers of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization laying low in Sabah.
“Therefore locals, especially at or near squatter colonies, must play a more active role in detecting the presence of terrorists or their supporters so that security forces may eliminate the threat once and for all,” he said.
Yong in a statement today called upon the government to implement promises made in 2013 following the Tanduo incursion.
These promises include the basing of seven battalions of security personnel in Sabah, the acquisition of advanced sea patrol boats and additional security assets in ESSZONE.
“Key assets that Sabah requires are a full-fledged Maritime Enforcement base – that is also long overdue – in Lahad Datu, the home base of ESSCOM…
“This new Maritime Enforcement base, under Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency jurisdiction can add to the efforts in combating cross-border crimes and crushing Abu Sayyaf or other criminals from causing trouble in Sabah,” he said.
