SANDAKAN: Economy benefits and security risks would be considered to revive barter trade between Sabah and the Southern Philippines, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He added that his administration has received many proposals on the matter, but said a detailed study must be conducted before it can be implemented.
“We will discuss this later at meetings of the National Security Council (MKN) and the State Development Action Council,” he said when met by reporters after a working visit to several islands housing national security posts in Sandakan waters here.
In 2016, Sabah government suspended barter trading activities in all ports throughout the state following the abduction of four Malaysian sailors by armed men in Ligitan waters during that time.
The visit was in conjunction with the Chief Minister’s Security Inspection Programme to the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE).
Present were Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos.
Commenting on the visit, Hajiji said he could see that the preparedness of all security forces, including facilities at control posts, is in good condition, and the facilities have also been upgraded.
The Chief Minister added the strength of security in Sabah’s east coast waters helped to boost economic activities in the area, particularly tourism.
“It has been a long time since any incident was reported in our waters, which certainly encourages tourism on Sabah’s east coast.
"When the situation is peaceful and security is assured, more tourists are keen to come here and tourism will grow.
“Pulau Sipadan, for instance, is a major attraction as one of the world’s best diving destinations, so we must safeguard security to ensure this tourism asset continues to attract visitors,” he said.
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