KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan has reiterated its call for the Federal Government to relocate security bases in Sabah from the West coast to the East coast. The party made this request after several foreign countries maintained travel advisories for citizens, urging them to limit visits to Sabah.
Warisan leaders expressed concerns over these advisories, which have the potential to hinder various sectors in the state from fully benefiting from the weaker ringgit. Tungku assemblyman Assafal Alian expressed shock at the “only essential travel” advisories issued by the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) for Sabah, with a focus on the coastal areas of Kudat and Tawau, which are deemed to have a risk of kidnapping.
Alian also pointed out that a Canadian government advisory specifically mentioned the threat of kidnapping and violence by militants from the Philippines against tourist resorts, restaurants, waterfronts, and islands along the Kinabatangan River and Sipadan in Sabah.
He emphasized the potential losses for Sabahans on the East coast in terms of tourism and economic opportunities, as European tourists may be deterred from visiting. Alian also highlighted the potential impact on government-linked companies such as the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) and the Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) attracting European investments and buyers.
Previously, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal called on the government to relocate security bases to the East coast to address issues such as smuggling, illegal immigration, piracy, kidnapping, transit terrorism, and potential intrusions.
Former Kalabakan MP Ma’mun Sulaiman highlighted the perception among foreign countries that security levels on the East coast are insufficient, despite the presence of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom). He urged the relocation of army, navy, and air camps to the region, as well as investment in military intelligence and surveillance systems.
Warisan deputy president Datuk Darell Leiking, although not part of the state government, expressed commitment to restoring international confidence in Sabah’s security and revitalizing the state’s economy. He hoped that the Federal Government would cooperate on this matter, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the interests of the people of Sabah.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
