Hajiji visiting an Lahad Datu ethnic booth during the Chief Minister’s security inspection visit to the ESSZone at Dewan Perdana Lahad Datu compound today.
LAHAD DATU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor stressed that efforts to enhance security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone) will continue to be driven by advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to ensure stability as the foundation of the State’s economic growth.
He said the State Government is committed to strengthening security capabilities through asset modernisation as well as the use of technologies such as drones, radar and big data analytics to ensure more comprehensive surveillance and faster response to any threats.
“In line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 framework, we want security agencies to enhance the use of AI in operations so that our security system is not only physically robust, but also digitally strong,” he said at the SMJ Jelajah Programme in conjunction with the Chief Minister’s security inspection visit to the ESSZone at Dewan Perdana here today.
Hajiji said security cannot be separated from economic development and public wellbeing, and is in fact a key prerequisite in attracting investor confidence to Sabah.
“Without strong security assurances, investor confidence will be affected, economic activities will be hampered and the wellbeing of the people will also be impacted,” he said.
As such, he said development in the ESSZone will be carried out holistically by balancing security needs with economic and social development.
He said the maritime sector and Blue Economy have been identified as new growth drivers under SMJ 2.0, covering modern fisheries, marine tourism as well as coastal and border town development.
However, he said the vast potential can only be realised if the State’s maritime security continues to be strengthened without compromise.
“Sabah holds a strategic position with a coastline of more than 1,400 kilometres and serves as the nation’s frontline in Borneo and the Sulu Sea. Strengthening security not only protects the people, but also opens up opportunities for the development of border towns as new economic gateways for the State,” he said.
On Lahad Datu, he said the district has significant economic potential, particularly in plantation, fisheries, tourism and downstream industries.
“However, all these can only be fully realised if the environment remains safe and stable. Investors will only come if they are confident that our waters are secure,” he said.
Hajiji also stressed that safeguarding security is not solely the responsibility of security forces, but requires cooperation from all parties, including the local community.
He urged the people, especially those in the ESSZone, to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“The community plays an important role as a strategic partner to security forces in ensuring continued peace and stability,” he said.
Meanwhile, he assured that the welfare of security personnel will continue to be safeguarded through cooperation between the State and Federal Governments, including in terms of facilities, housing and logistics.
He said synergy among all parties will continue to be strengthened to ensure the ESSZone remains peaceful and under control.
Touching on the security inspection visit, Hajiji said it serves as a platform to assess existing strengths and weaknesses before formulating more effective improvements for the State’s security.
