Sabah’s Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZone) has recorded no kidnapping incidents since January 15, 2020, marking five years of improved security.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos attributed this to tighter security measures and community cooperation.

“This is the result of enhanced strategies and reinforcements in key areas,” he said.

This comes following a visit to the Sabah information office in Kota Kinabalu recently.

Victor said the improved security climate has boosted tourism and investment in Sabah’s east coast.

“We have received information that more foreign and domestic investments are coming. Moving forward, we plan to integrate AI-driven border security and establish new security posts,” he added.

Speaking after a courtesy visit to Sabah Information Department Director Jainisah Mohd Noor, Victor said Esscom values collaboration with the department in communicating security developments.

Meanwhile, Esscom CEO Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said the agency is expanding community engagement, including the ‘Kampung Angkat Madani’ programme in Kampung Inderasabah, Apas.

The last kidnapping-for-ransom incident in ESSZone occurred in 2020 off Pulau Tambisan, Lahad Datu, involving five Indonesian fishermen.

Esscom was formed in 2013 following the Lahad Datu incursion, integrating security forces to combat cross-border crimes in Sabah’s east coast. – February 13, 2025.