TAWAU : The allocation of RM22 billion to the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) through the 2027 Budget must be strategically leveraged to reinforce national security, particularly border control and maritime surveillance along Sabah’s east coast.
Sabah Community Activist Mohd. Zaki Harry Susanto stressed that this increased allocation presents a critical opportunity for the government to enhance enforcement agency capabilities, including modernizing assets, implementing advanced security technology, and fortifying national entry points.
According to him, based on the 2027 Budget presentation by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday, October 9, 2026, the KDN received an allocation of RM22 billion compared to RM21.18 billion in 2026.
This represents an increase of approximately RM820 million or 3.9 percent, thereby enabling the ministry to substantially strengthen operational capacity across its subordinate agencies, he said.
“This enhanced allocation must translate into more effective security capabilities, particularly in combating cross-border crime, smuggling, human trafficking, and unauthorized foreign entry.
“This increased funding represents a pivotal opportunity to decisively address these pressing security challenges and protect our nation’s borders more comprehensively.
“For Sabah, the aspect of border security cannot be taken lightly because its geographical position near neighboring countries and the vastness of its maritime area require continuous monitoring and the use of appropriate technology,” he said.
Zaki said that among the priorities that the government should consider is strengthening the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSCOM) through the coordination of joint operations with related security agencies and the provision of more sophisticated assets and technology.
According to him, the use of next-generation scanning machines at strategic locations such as jetties, ferry terminals, maritime entry points, and selected checkpoints can help detect prohibited items, weapons, drugs, and hazardous materials more systematically.
The government should consider the use of high-tech baggage and cargo scanning machines, including detection systems that can be integrated with security databases to assist in the inspection process and identify risks.
“This technology is not intended to replace the role of security personnel, but rather to enhance inspection efficiency, reduce reliance on manual inspections alone, and assist personnel in making decisions based on more accurate information,” he said.
He said that the need should be assessed based on the risk at each location, including sea routes identified as high-risk and areas with active passenger and cargo movement.
At the same time, Zaki emphasised that the strengthening of border security should not be solely focused on the purchase of equipment, but should also include asset maintenance, member training, intelligence sharing, and operational readiness.
He said that the use of maritime surveillance radar, thermal imaging cameras, monitoring drones, secure communication systems, and integrated detection technology should also be considered according to the operational needs of ESSCOM and the enforcement agencies involved.
“Any acquisition must be supported by long-term maintenance planning, operator training, and effectiveness evaluation so that the purchased assets are truly used optimally.
“Cooperation between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Customs, and related agencies also needs to be enhanced to ensure that information and enforcement actions can be coordinated more effectively,” he said.
He also suggested that the security needs of the east coast of Sabah be given special consideration in the planning of federal asset and security technology procurement.
Zaki said that the security of Sabah’s east coast is not only related to the sovereignty of the country but also has a direct connection with investor confidence, the tourism sector, maritime economic activities, and the well-being of the local community.
According to him, effective border control can help reduce the risk of cross-border crime and provide assurance to residents and tourists that safety aspects are always given attention.
“Sabah has strategic importance from the perspective of maritime security.” Therefore, the needs of ESSCOM must be continuously assessed based on current threats, technological developments, and operational challenges in the field.
“Large allocations need to be followed by transparent implementation, asset purchases based on actual needs, and clear performance measurement.”
“The ultimate goal is to ensure that every ringgit spent provides tangible benefits to the security of the nation and the people, especially the communities on the east coast of Sabah,” he said.
2027 BUDGET: ESSCOM Needs To Be Bolstered, Says Community Activist Zaki HarryTAWAU : The allocation of RM22 billion to the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) through the 2027 Budget must be strategically leveraged to reinforce national security, particularly border control and maritime surveillance along Sabah’s east coast.Sabah Community Activist Mohd. Zaki Harry Susanto stressed that this increased allocation presents a critical opportunity for the government to enhance enforcement agency capabilities, including modernizing assets, implementing advanced security technology, and fortifying national entry points.According to him, based on the 2027 Budget presentation by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday, October 9, 2026, the KDN received an allocation of RM22 billion compared to RM21.18 billion in 2026.This represents an increase of approximately RM820 million or 3.9 percent, thereby enabling the ministry to substantially strengthen operational capacity across its subordinate agencies, he said.”This enhanced allocation must translate into more effective security capabilities, particularly in combating cross-border crime, smuggling, human trafficking, and unauthorized foreign entry.”This increased funding represents a pivotal opportunity to decisively address these pressing security challenges and protect our nation’s borders more comprehensively.”For Sabah, the aspect of border security cannot be taken lightly because its geographical position near neighboring countries and the vastness of its maritime area require continuous monitoring and the use of appropriate technology,” he said.Zaki said that among the priorities that the government should consider is strengthening the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSCOM) through the coordination of joint operations with related security agencies and the provision of more sophisticated assets and technology.According to him, the use of next-generation scanning machines at strategic locations such as jetties, ferry terminals, maritime entry points, and selected checkpoints can help detect prohibited items, weapons, drugs, and hazardous materials more systematically.The government should consider the use of high-tech baggage and cargo scanning machines, including detection systems that can be integrated with security databases to assist in the inspection process and identify risks.”This technology is not intended to replace the role of security personnel, but rather to enhance inspection efficiency, reduce reliance on manual inspections alone, and assist personnel in making decisions based on more accurate information,” he said.He said that the need should be assessed based on the risk at each location, including sea routes identified as high-risk and areas with active passenger and cargo movement.At the same time, Zaki emphasised that the strengthening of border security should not be solely focused on the purchase of equipment, but should also include asset maintenance, member training, intelligence sharing, and operational readiness.He said that the use of maritime surveillance radar, thermal imaging cameras, monitoring drones, secure communication systems, and integrated detection technology should also be considered according to the operational needs of ESSCOM and the enforcement agencies involved.”Any acquisition must be supported by long-term maintenance planning, operator training, and effectiveness evaluation so that the purchased assets are truly used optimally.”Cooperation between the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), the Immigration Department of Malaysia, Customs, and related agencies also needs to be enhanced to ensure that information and enforcement actions can be coordinated more effectively,” he said.He also suggested that the security needs of the east coast of Sabah be given special consideration in the planning of federal asset and security technology procurement.Zaki said that the security of Sabah’s east coast is not only related to the sovereignty of the country but also has a direct connection with investor confidence, the tourism sector, maritime economic activities, and the well-being of the local community.According to him, effective border control can help reduce the risk of cross-border crime and provide assurance to residents and tourists that safety aspects are always given attention.”Sabah has strategic importance from the perspective of maritime security.” Therefore, the needs of ESSCOM must be continuously assessed based on current threats, technological developments, and operational challenges in the field.”Large allocations need to be followed by transparent implementation, asset purchases based on actual needs, and clear performance measurement.””The ultimate goal is to ensure that every ringgit spent provides tangible benefits to the security of the nation and the people, especially the communities on the east coast of Sabah,” he said.
