Reestablishment of the Sabah Border Scouts should be prioritised and carried out soon, says Zaki Susanto

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s statement, suggesting a review of the re-establishment of Sabah Border Scouts, should be given priority and implemented in the near future.

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In making the call, adviser to the Sabah Drug and Crime Prevention Organisation (PPDJS), Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto, opined that the creation of the organisation will eventually fill the “vacuum” that exists in Sabah’s land border area and create job opportunities for locals, particularly those who reside in the state’s border area.

He said duplication of responsibilities or functions is not a problem because it will lessen reliance on other law enforcement agencies.

In fact, he said that together they can become the frontline in the state’s land border areas as they include people with in-depth knowledge of forestry science in Sabah.

“When we look at enforcement in national waters, there are several agencies that are responsible, such as the Navy, APMM, and the Marine Police Force, in addition to the PGA. All of them perform almost similar tasks and are only distinguished by the distance of the location from the coast, which is by taking into account nautical miles.

“The same approach can be taken in the land border area of Sabah, that is, either Sabah Border Scouts work together with other enforcement agencies or can be given special responsibilities and powers taking into account the radius of the actual border line.

“It can be mobilised for border patrol and control work, intelligence tasks, gathering security information, and carrying out operations involving cross-border crime,” he said in a statement today.

At the same time, Mohd Zaki also suggested that it be rebranded so that it is not seen as still being tied to the organisation that was disbanded in 1986.

He said the standard should be set at par with other enforcement agencies so that all members have the power to detain, inspect, arrest, investigate, and prosecute while on duty.

“They should also have their own identity and structure and be led by individuals who have a service background with enforcement agencies or security forces.

“In fact, it needs to be placed directly under the Sabah Chief Minister’s Department so that all current developments are always in line with the policies, vision, and mission of the state government,” he said.

According to Mohd Zaki, the establishment of this status will bring benefits not only to the state of Sabah but also to the country.

“It should not be delayed as a preparation to face all kinds of challenges when neighbouring countries move their national capital to Nusantara, Kalimantan,” he said.

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