KOTA KINABALU: A special drone unit will be established in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) to enhance its response to intrusion and other criminal activities. The unit will be based in the Lahad Datu district on the east coast and will be deployed regularly to support security forces in swiftly reacting to any incidents. Bukit Aman director for Internal Security and Public Order, Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali, stated that he discussed the placement of the drone unit with Esscom director, Deputy Comm Victor Sanjos.
Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali said, “I decided to station the team in Lahad Datu (Esscom headquarters).” He mentioned that marine patrol boats can transport the drones to specific locations when required in emergency situations, and their usage will be coordinated by the multi-agency Esscom team.
The police air wing unit, with its expertise and skills, will provide training to the drone operators. “I am trying to place a drone unit in Lahad Datu under the air wing. We have the skills and one of our officers has qualifications as an instructor with international credentials. At the initial stage, we will include the marine police in Lahad Datu,” Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali added.
When asked about the state government’s intention to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the Esszone area, Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali expressed openness to it. He said, “If the state government gives support, we can deploy the UAVs. UAVs need an airport, while the drone is a vertical takeoff and landing craft. If it loses contact with ground control, it will come back.”
DCP Sanjos, who recently assumed Esscom’s leadership, revealed that tourist arrivals to the islands in the east coast have increased by about 80%. “The number of foreign tourists coming to the Esszone area is much higher than local tourists. The statistics reflect the trust in the defence system, especially in the Esszone,” he said, emphasizing that the area is safe for visitors.
In a speech delivered at the media night, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor suggested that Esscom should enhance the use of UAVs as part of its assets to maintain security in the Esszone. He highlighted that the adoption of newer technologies like UAVs would boost surveillance and monitoring in the coastal area, which encompasses 10 districts from Kudat to Sandakan.
His speech was read by Datuk Abidin Madingkir, the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
