Latest news with #EasternSabahSecurityCommand
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Woman caught on smuggling boat near Tawau as skipper flees into sea
TAWAU: A local woman has been detained after being found on board a boat allegedly used to smuggle contraband goods and ferry undocumented migrants from Indonesia. The 37-year-old was the sole occupant of the outboard engine-powered boat when it was intercepted near a makeshift landing area along Jalan Apas, some 5km from Tawau, on Tuesday. The joint operation, led by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), also resulted in the seizure of the boat, the outboard engine, various goods, and a lorry parked nearby — believed to have been waiting to collect cargo from the Indonesian side of Pulau Sebatik, which borders Malaysia. Esscom Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said the skipper and another passenger managed to escape by jumping into the water as the raiding team approached. "Checks on the goods — mostly food items — and the passenger, who is a Malaysian citizen, revealed that the cargo originated from across the border but was not accompanied by any documentation," he said. "The seized items and the woman have been referred to the Customs Department for further investigation, including to determine whether she was complicit in the smuggling attempt alongside those who fled." In a separate operation on Monday, Esscom detained three men during a raid at a petrol station along Jalan Apas. Items worth over RM300,000, including fuel and vehicles, were seized. The suspects, aged between 31 and 37, were allegedly caught purchasing some 1,300 litres of diesel and transferring it into modified tanks and containers in three four-wheel-drive vehicles. Victor said the suspects would be referred to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for investigation under price control regulations. He stressed that there would be no let-up in enforcement operations against smugglers and traffickers along the border, urging local communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Daily Express
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Role of journalists hailed in east Sabah security
Published on: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 14, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: According to Victor, journalistic writing can depict the real situation and level of security in Sabah, especially in the eastern region, and he acknowledged that engaging articles can attract both domestic and international tourists. LAHAD DATU: Journalists are important partners of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), serving as liaisons between the security forces and the maritime community. Esscom commander Datuk Victor Sanjos acknowledged the significant contribution of the journalist community in disseminating accurate information on security issues in Sabah, particularly in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESS Zone). Advertisement 'I hope the cooperation between journalists and Esscom will continue to be sustainable because the media, as a partner of Esscom, plays an important role as the eyes and ears of the security forces,' he told Bernama. He said journalists also function as the 'voice' of the security forces in ensuring that the well-being and peace of the maritime community on the east coast of Sabah is maintained. 'In conjunction with Hawana (National Journalists' Day), I hope our media partner will continue to grow and deliver factual and engaging stories that serve as a source of inspiration to the community. According to Victor, journalistic writing can depict the real situation and level of security in Sabah, especially in the eastern region, and he acknowledged that engaging articles can attract both domestic and international tourists. In conjunction with Hawana, celebrated on May 29 each year, he expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all media practitioners. 'Happy Hawana to all journalists, I appreciate the role of journalists and I thank you for the cooperation and assistance of our media partner all this time,' he said. Hawana 2025 will take place at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur from June 13 to 15, with the highlight of the celebration, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, scheduled for June 14. More than 1,000 media practitioners, representatives of local journalist associations, and media delegates from Asean member states are expected to attend, bringing together the professional media fraternity and industry experts to exchange ideas and forge strategic partnerships. Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI and Safeguarding Ethics', Hawana 2025, organised by the Ministry of Communications through Bernama as the implementing agency, will feature various events, including a media forum jointly organised with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14 and a two-day Hawana carnival and exhibition at Sunway Putra Mall starting June 13. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Borneo Post
International yachts set course for Sabah
Joniston chairing a Sail Malaysia coordination meeting to ensure smooth operations and safety throughout the Sabah segment. KOTA KINABALU (May 20): Kota Belud, known as the Land of the Cowboys of the East, is making its debut as a stopover in this year's Sail Malaysia Passage to the East, offering a fresh perspective for sailors exploring rural charm and cultural depth. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Kota Belud's inclusion is a fitting addition to the rally as the district is known for its strong Bajau heritage, horse riding tradition and growing reputation in community-based tourism. The annual sailing rally, which began in April, will arrive in Sabah this July with over 31 yachts and 70 participants from 15 countries scheduled to explore coastal and inland attractions from July 18 to September 1. New participating countries include Lebanon, Turkey, Kuwait, Tunisia and India, reflecting the growing global interest in Malaysia's sailing route and Sabah's diverse tourism offerings. Joniston, who serves as patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, said the rally helps promote Sabah to international travellers and strengthens its position as a culture, adventure and nature destination. He added that the inclusion of new countries and destinations like Kota Belud is a promising sign as Sabah builds momentum toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Sabah's growing popularity as a yachting destination is also supported by ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, with several new berthing areas, including in Tuaran, being identified to cater to increasing interest from international sailors Joniston encouraged organisers to enhance collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board to further promote the Sabah leg as a key highlight of the entire rally. Joniston recently chaired a Sail Malaysia coordination meeting attended by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) and key tourism stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and safety throughout the Sabah segment. Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha said the rally follows the familiar eastern route starting in Langkawi, with Sabah stops including Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna. He noted that participants will also have the rare opportunity to sail inland along the Kinabatangan River, one of Sabah's most iconic wildlife corridors, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Sazli said many sailors are drawn to Sabah for its natural beauty, safe harbours and the warm welcome offered by local communities.
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
ESSCom steps up security for Sabah election
Tun Musa (seventh from left) and Victor (seventh from right) with the ESSCom delegation.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 16): The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) plans to increase the number of defense control posts in an effort to strengthen security in the area, particularly in Eastern Sabah. Its commander, Datuk Victor Sanjos, stated that security remains the agency's primary focus to ensure the sovereignty and peace of the state are preserved. 'The construction of new posts will be carried out in identified locations that require reinforcement in terms of defense. 'In addition, ESSCom is also enhancing its capabilities with the use of current technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),' he said after paying a courtesy visit to the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, today. The visit aimed to introduce ESSCom's top management and provide a briefing on the current security situation in Eastern Sabah. Victor said ESSCom will undergo a rebranding, including a new logo, map, and a change in flag color from maroon to white, to reflect the image of a region that fosters well-being, in line with its motto, 'Together Generating Prosperity.' Additionally, Victor informed that ESSCom, along with other security agencies, will strengthen security controls ahead of the State election to prevent any threats that could jeopardize security. Meanwhile, ESSCom Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jamaluddin Mohd Ali said they have identified eight projects to be implemented under the Madani Adopted Village Initiative. 'The list of projects has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for approval, including the construction of jetties, road repairs, and school upgrades to improve the well-being of the local community. 'Furthermore, there are also human development projects planned in collaboration with Giat MARA through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, including boat and engine repairs, given that the area is a fishing zone that can be supported to enhance the socioeconomy of the residents,' he explained. Also present were ESSCom Deputy Commander, Brigadier General Mohamad Ismail Kamarudin; Director of the Public Action Division, Georgie Abas; Director of the Management Services Division, Mohd Dzulhairul Shah Dzulkifli; and Director of the Secretariat Services Division, Imelda Godon.
