KG INDERASABAH RECEIVES RM1 MLN UNDER MADANI VILLAGE ADOPTION PROGRAMME - ESSCOM

TAWAU, April 22 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Finance has allocated RM1 million to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) under the MADANI Village Adoption programme in Kampung Inderasabah, to enhance the well-being of the local community.

ESSCOM chief executive officer, Datuk Dr Jamaluddin Mohd Ali, said the initiative encompasses infrastructure development as well as safety and security measures. 

“We have identified seven projects to upgrade Kampung Inderasabah, which include improving street lighting, upgrading the village jetty and enhancing overall security. An additional RM200,000 has been allocated for education and technical and vocational training programmes,” he said.

“Based on intelligence from ESSCOM’s Security Division, the area is exposed to cross-border criminal activities such as fuel smuggling and piracy,” he told reporters after the Kampung Angkat MADANI central committee meeting chaired by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, here today.

 Jamaluddin noted that Kampung Inderasabah holds economic potential and the advantage of a united community, adding that if the model proves successful, the programme could be extended to other areas within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. 

ESSCOM will also implement the Sekolah Angkat MADANI programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Lihak-Lihak in Semporna, with an allocation of RM100,000, said Jamaluddin.

Meanwhile, Nizam, who is also Apas assemblyman, expressed confidence that the initiative would positively impact Kampung Inderasabah, which falls within his constituency.  

“This programme will add value to the village’s security and socio-economic status, as it’s a hotspot, located along the maritime borders with Indonesia and the Philippines.

“This initiative stems from the vision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who aspires to engage all communities through coordinated services provided by government agencies,” he added.

Meanwhile, Tawau deputy police chief Supt Champin Piuh said that within the past three months, there had been three thefts and several drug-related arrests in Kampung Inderasabah. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any criminal activity. 

“Such reports are crucial for us to gather data and plan crime prevention measures on land or at sea. At present, we have security posts operated by the General Operations Force and the Marine Police in the Inderasabah waters,” he said.

-- BERNAMA