Malaysia enhances marine security forces

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (Photo: malaysiandigest.com)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – About 500 members of Malaysian People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) will be deployed to assist in monitoring security in Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) from January 2018.

Speaking at a working session with the East Sabah Security Command (Esscom), Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Rela members will support the country’s military, police and the Malaysia Marine Enforcement Agency of Esscom to ensure the region’s security.

Zahid also lauded Esscom as there was no abduction in the Esszone since the start of the year.

The Malaysian Government will continue to increase assistance for Esscom to improve security, he added.

Esszone is the region with various tourist destinations and resorts in the east of Malaysia’s Sabah state, the nearest state to the Philippines. Many kidnappings for ransom took place in the area, which was launched by militant group Abu Sayyaf based in southern Philippines.-VNA