LAHAD DATU: Strengthening security in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone) remains an uncompromised priority, essential to unlocking Sabah’s vast potential as a Blue Economy hub in the East Asian region.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stressed said without comprehensive security guarantees, the vast potential of the Blue Economy, which encompasses modern fisheries, maritime industries and coastal urban development would not be able to thrive.
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He said efforts to strengthen security in the Esszone will continue to be driven through the use of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure stability as the foundation of the State’s economic growth.
“The State Government is committed to enhancing security capabilities through the modernisation of assets, as well as the use of technologies such as drones, radar and big data analysis, to ensure more comprehensive monitoring and faster responses to threats,” he said during the SMJ Roadshow Programme held in conjunction with the Chief Minister’s Security Inspection Visit to the Esszone at the Dewan Perdana, here, Wednesday.
Hajiji stressed that security cannot be separated from economic development and the well-being of the people and that, in fact, it serves as a key prerequisite for attracting investor confidence to Sabah.
“Without strong security guarantees, investor confidence will be affected, economic activities will be hampered and the well-being of the people will also suffer,” he said.
In this regard, he said development in the Esszone will be implemented holistically by balancing security requirements with economic and social development.
“Sabah holds a strategic position with a coastline stretching over 1,400 kilometres and serves as the nation’s frontline in Borneo and the Sulu Sea.
“Strengthening security not only protects the people, but also opens opportunities for the development of border towns as new economic gateways for the State,” he said.
In the context of Lahad Datu, Hajiji said the district has significant economic potential, particularly in the plantation, fisheries, tourism and downstream industries sectors.
“However, all these can only be fully realised if the environment remains safe and stable. Investors will only come if they are confident that the security of our waters is guaranteed,” he said.
Hajiji also stressed that the responsibility of maintaining security does not rest solely on the shoulders of security forces, but requires cooperation from all parties, including local communities.
He urged the people, especially those in the Esszone, to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“The role of the community is very important as a strategic partner to the security forces in ensuring peace and security continue to be preserved,” he said.
He assured that the welfare of security personnel will continue to be safeguarded through cooperation between the State and Federal Governments, including in terms of facilities, housing and logistics.
He said synergy among all parties will continue to be strengthened to ensure the Esszone remains peaceful and under control.
