Defence Minister assures Sabah that the Federal government is not taking their security lightly.
KOTA KINABALU: Petronas, the national oil corporation, will spend an estimated RM430 million on two forward operation bases in Sabah to help beef up security along the eastern seaboard, the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) protected by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).
One security base, costing RM230 million, would be located at a disused oil rig.
The other, costing RM200 million, would be located at the Bunga Mas Lima ship.
“The security of Sabah depends on the Federal government and not the secessionists who want to pull the state out of Malaysia,” said Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein Onn yesterday following a Penampang Umno divisional meeting in Kota Kinabalu.
“Based on my talks with Petronas, the forward bases would be ready by April next year.
“Both bases would be well-equipped with a radar system and patrol boats. These would help the security forces to respond quickly in the event of a threat,” he added.
Explaining Petronas’ involvement in providing security for Sabah, the Defence Minister said that “if the area is not stable, investments in the oil and gas sector including in exploration, would be affected”.
He gave the assurance that the Federal government is not taking the security of Sabah lightly.
“Petronas can invest more in security.” He added,“I will discuss this with them.”
“I will also be discussing with other oil companies and the Brunei Sultan on helping ensure security along the waters in the region.”
Hishammuddin expects to forge a similar cooperation with the Philippines and Indonesian governments.
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