Hajiji chairing the State Security Committee meeting at Menara Kinabalu in Kota Kinabalu today.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government wants the state’s maritime border security, particularly in Kudat, covering the waters around Banggi and Balambangan islands, to be further strengthened following developments in military activities in nearby areas.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said these developments required all parties to remain vigilant over changes in the strategic environment to ensure that national security and sovereignty continued to be safeguarded.
He said the State Government welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s emphasis on strengthening border security, including plans to procure artificial intelligence (AI)-based radar systems and long-range cameras for Kudat in 2028.
“I have also personally discussed this matter with the Prime Minister on the need to increase the security personnel in the Kudat waters and he responded well.
“In line with the security and defence priorities outlined under Budget 2027, the Sabah State Government welcomes the Prime Minister’s presentation emphasising the strengthening of border security.
“Security is a fundamental pillar that ensures national stability, sustained economic development and the well-being of the people,” he said when chairing the State Security Committee meeting at Menara Kinabalu here today.
Meanwhile, Hajiji called on relevant agencies to step up monitoring of the transboundary haze currently affecting several areas in Sabah, particularly those near the Indonesian border.
He said the situation could adversely affect public health, economic activities and the smooth conduct of security operations if it was not effectively monitored and addressed.
“The current situation requires continuous monitoring, particularly in areas located near the Indonesian border.
“Therefore, I urge the relevant agencies to continuously coordinate the sharing of information on air quality and weather warnings, while monitoring developments in the haze situation and assessing its impact on the daily lives and well-being of the people,” he said.
Hajiji also reminded security agencies to remain vigilant over increasingly dynamic global and regional sociopolitical developments and their potential implications for public order in Sabah.
He cited public dissatisfaction and political tensions in France, as well as protests in Indonesia over the handling of haze-related issues, which had fuelled discontent among the people.
He said these developments should serve as a reminder that issues concerning public welfare and government leadership could influence public sentiment and social stability.
He called on the relevant agencies to continue monitoring current developments, including the spread of information and sentiments on social media, to identify any issues that could potentially undermine public order and social harmony in Sabah.
