Arya News - Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor has called for tighter maritime border security around northern islands like Banggi and Balambangan, citing strategic concerns prompted by the Philippines` recent military build-up on nearby Balabac Island.
KOTA KINABALU – Maritime border security in Sabah’s northern Banggi and Balambangan islands in Kudat should be strengthened in view of military activities in the nearby areas, Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said.
He urged all parties to remain vigilant over changes in the strategic environment to ensure that national security and sovereignty are 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.
“Security is a fundamental pillar that ensures national stability, sustained economic development and the well-being of the people.
“In line with the security and defence priorities outlined under Budget 2027, the state government welcomes the Prime Minister’s presentation emphasising the strengthening of border security,” he said when chairing the state security committee meeting at Menara Kinabalu here Wednesday (Oct 22).
Anwar has earlier this year raised Malaysia’s concern over the Philippines’ US-backed military build-up on Balabac Island, located about 50km from Pulau Banggi, citing the island’s proximity to Malaysian territory and the longstanding Philippine claim over Sabah.
Balabac’s military upgrades come amid growing US-China rivalry over security and influence in the South China Sea.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also 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.
“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 keep monitoring dynamic global and regional socio-political developments and their potential implications for public order in Sabah, including developments over social media.
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.