KOTA KINABALU: Police will enhance border security measures as Indonesia develops its new capital, Nusantara, near Sabah, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

"We are taking into account factors such as infrastructure and economic development in our neighbouring country (in Kalimantan).

"This will impact security at the borders. Measures have been taken to ensure control posts are in place," he said at a press conference after a ceremony to handover the duties of the state police commissioner at the state police headquarters here.

Acryl was responding to a question about improving the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) as it marks its 10th anniversary.

Esscom was established in 2013 following the Lahad Datu intrusion that killed nine Malaysian officers and six civilians.

Acryl said two more General Operations Force battalions would be deployed to Kunak and Keningau to support the five battalions in Sabah.

He said there was a need to better prepare marine police on the east coast to deal with possible threats.

He said though the situation was under control, it was important not to relax safety measures that had been in place for ten years.

"Coastal areas in Sabah are exposed to various threats, especially issues at the borders and demands from certain parties that can cause problems for the welfare and safety of Sabah's people.

"The authorities must not be caught off guard and must be prepared to control the situation.

"We cannot be complacent. We must prioritise safety. We will not compromise on security."

Earlier, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah, who will retire tomorrow, handed over his duties to Acting Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/894554/igp-police-boost-security-sabah-kalimantan-borders