SANDAKAN, Sept 27 — No incidents of Kidnap-For-Ransom (KFR) have been reported in the Eastern Sabah waters since January 2020, thanks to the strict security measures under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He said the achievement was not coincidental, but the result of thorough planning and coordinated implementation involving the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), all operating under a central command system.
Saifuddin, who is also the Cabinet Committee on Border Security's chairman, said reports on enforcement, inspections, arrests and incidents are presented regularly.
“Previously, Kidnap-For-Ransom crimes were rampant. Zero cases have been reported since January 2020.
"This did not happen by default but by design. It is the result of deployment, monitoring, readiness, and the capability of assets led by the police under Esscom,” he said.
Saifuddin was speaking to the press after inspecting the BUDI Madani RON95 (BUDI95) programme involving police personnel at the Petronas petrol station in Jalan Bokara today.
He added that the government will continue to strengthen Esscom's role to ensure that Sabah's east coast remains safe and conducive for economic development and tourism.
This is crucial as guaranteed security is a key factor in driving local economic growth, including the tourism sector.
The minister noted that the peace achieved has given the government the confidence to once again promote Sabah's east coast's tourism potential by inviting diplomats and foreign representatives to visit the area, including the islands.
“Countries that previously issued travel advisories due to past incidents now have the opportunity to revise their decisions, and indeed some nations have already done so. This success allows us to propose to these countries to reassess their travel restrictions,” Saifuddin said.
The impact of improved security on Sabah's east coast is already visible, particularly in the increase in international flight traffic at Tawau Airport.
“We have nine immigration counters there, but international flights from China alone have reached four to five daily. So, we can no longer cope with the situation as it is.
"That is one example. The Kidnap-For-Ransom incidents that once frightened tourists away are no more.
"This reflects Esscom's high level of preparedness and effectiveness,” he said.
