KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is calling for stronger maritime border security in Kudat following the detection of military activity in nearby waters.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said proactive measures were necessary to safeguard national security and sovereignty. He also welcomed plans to acquire artificial intelligence (AI)-based radar systems and long-range cameras for the waters by 2028.
Hajiji said he had discussed the need for additional security personnel in Kudat’s waters with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who responded positively to the proposal.
He made the remarks in a statement after chairing the Sabah State Security Committee meeting here today.
Kudat, located more than 180 kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu, shares maritime boundaries close to the Philippines, particularly around Banggi Island and Balambangan Island.
Hajiji stressed that security was essential to maintaining national stability, economic development and public well-being, especially in strategically important maritime areas such as the two islands.
The state government also supports the security and defence priorities outlined in Budget 2027 to ensure enforcement agencies remain alert to changes in the regional strategic environment.
Separately, Hajiji directed relevant agencies to intensify monitoring of transboundary haze affecting several parts of Sabah, particularly along the Malaysia-Indonesia border.
He warned that the haze could affect public health, economic activities and security operations if not monitored and managed effectively.
He called for agencies to coordinate the sharing of air-quality information and weather alerts, monitor haze developments and assess their impact on daily life and public well-being.
Hajiji also urged security agencies to remain vigilant about international sociopolitical developments, including political unrest in France and protests related to haze management in Indonesia, which could influence public sentiment locally.
Authorities were further instructed to closely monitor information and public sentiment on social media to identify and address developments that could threaten public order in Sabah.
-AWANI
