KOTA KINABALU, Oct 22 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government wants maritime security in Kudat strengthened following reports of military activity in nearby waters, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said.
He said proactive measures were crucial to safeguarding national security and sovereignty, while welcoming plans to acquire artificial intelligence (AI)-based radar systems and long-range cameras for the waters by 2028.
“I have discussed the need for additional security personnel in Kudat’s waters with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and he responded positively,” he said in a statement after chairing the Sabah State Security Committee meeting here today.
Kudat, located more than 180 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu in northern Sabah, shares maritime boundaries with the Philippines, particularly around Pulau Banggi and Pulau Balambangan.
Hajiji said security was fundamental to national stability, economic development and public well-being, particularly in strategic maritime zones around the two islands.
The state government also fully supported the security and defence priorities outlined in Budget 2027 to ensure enforcement agencies remained alert to changes in the regional strategic environment.
Meanwhile, Hajiji directed relevant agencies to step up monitoring of transboundary haze affecting several parts of Sabah, particularly along the Malaysia-Indonesia border.
He warned that the haze could affect public health, economic activities and security operations if not monitored and managed effectively.
“I have asked the relevant agencies to coordinate the sharing of information on air quality and weather alerts, monitor developments in the haze situation and assess its impact on daily life and public well-being,” he said.
He also reminded security agencies to remain vigilant about international sociopolitical developments, including political unrest in France and protests over haze management in Indonesia, which could influence public sentiment in Sabah.
Authorities were also instructed to closely monitor the spread of information and sentiment on social media to identify and contain issues that could threaten public order in the state.
-- BERNAMA