Esscom needs helicopters and high-tech drones, says Jaujan

From the Malaysian Express (Nov 26): Esscom needs helicopters and high-tech drones, says Jaujan

EASTERN Sabah Security Command (Esscom) needs to be equipped with helicopters as well as helipad facilities so that surveillance and monitoring could be carried out effectively in safeguarding the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) areas.

Sulabayan Assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong, who made the call, said the helipad facilities must be built in strategic places like in Semporna and Sandakan so as to facilitate the use of the helicopters, especially at night.

"It is imperative the government consider equipping security forces of Esscom with high-tech drones to help the surveillance and intelligence works especially in combating cross-border crimes.

"All these equipment including the helicopters, I am certain, could complement the security forces in their duties and responsibilities of guarding the coastal areas of Esszone areas especially with Esscom now conducting Ops Gasak in the waters off Sandakan and Kudat," he said.

Jaujan said this when debating the State Budget 2016 at the State Legislative Assembly.

He said it is necessary to expedite a plan to build a permanent building for the Esscom police station in Semporna which is presently using a mobile container in seeing to its administration and security tasks.

Having the building, Jaujan said would also provide comfort to the security personnel who are sacrificing their time, energy and lives in ensuring the people live in peace and safe from intrusions.

"The tourism sector has been allotted with RM218.37 million for next year and I hope such funding would consider establishing a marine research centre to address the extinction threat of various marine species and to complement government efforts in protecting and preserving the biodiversity, flora and fauna and natural environment.

"Setting up the centre could also impart information and educate the people on the importance of protecting marine development and environment conservation.

"The centre could also be a new tourist attraction as it would not only function as a research centre but the concept would be more towards being a museum for marine life that could educate the young generation and tourists," he said.

Jaujan said a mini fire station should be set up in his constituency, Sulabayan which is needed by the local communities to address fires that often happen in islands.

In fact, he said the district office of Semporna has identified a suitable land to build the mini fire station as an urgent facility for the people in Sulabayan, which is still lagging behind in terms of development and basic amenities.

"The grassroots are also calling for the existing health clinic to be upgraded as the current facilities and services cannot cater to their medical needs.

"As a result, they have to commute to and fro using boats to get further medical treatment on mainland Semporna," he said.

Jaujan also hoped that the government would proceed in building a bridge from Bum-Bum Island to Semporna that has been announced by the Federal Government and the budget was allocated in Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP). He said the bridge could become a catalyst and generate socio-economic activities and elevate the living standard of the communities.

"The bridge could also create business opportunities and employment and open new commercial centres as measures to develop Bum-Bum Island. "As a result of the positive development, a well-planned settlement could be created and those people living and squatting in water villages like in Kg Simunul would return to reside on their lands in Bum-Bum Island which will directly reduce squatter problems in Semporna," Jaujan said.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=104795