Sabah calls for strengthened maritime security in Kudat

The Sabah state government is seeking enhanced maritime border security in the Kudat region, specifically covering the waters of Banggi Island and Balambangan Island. This request follows developments in military activity in nearby areas.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that the strategic environmental changes require heightened vigilance to protect national sovereignty. He noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized border control, including plans to acquire artificial intelligence-based radar and long-range cameras in Kudat by 2028. The Chief Minister has also discussed the necessity of increasing security personnel in these waters with the Prime Minister.

Additionally, the Chief Minister urged relevant agencies to increase monitoring of transboundary haze affecting parts of Sabah, particularly near the Indonesian border. He noted that the haze could impact public health, economic activities, and security operations if not effectively managed through coordinated information sharing and air quality monitoring.