PETALING JAYA: The Sabah state government wants maritime security in Kudat strengthened following reports of military activity in nearby waters, chief minister Hajiji Noor said.
He said proactive measures were crucial to safeguard national security and sovereignty, and also welcomed plans to acquire artificial intelligence-based radar systems and long-range cameras for the waters by 2028.
“I have discussed the need for additional security personnel in Kudat's waters with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and he responded positively,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying after chairing the Sabah state security committee meeting in Kota Kinabalu today.
Kudat, located 180km from Kota Kinabalu in northern Sabah, shares maritime boundaries with the Philippines, particularly around Pulau Banggi and Pulau Balambangan.
Hajiji said security was fundamental to national stability, economic development and public well-being, particularly in strategic maritime zones around the two islands.
The state government also fully supports measures outlined in the 2027 budget to ensure enforcement agencies remain alert to changes in the regional strategic environment.
Meanwhile, Hajiji directed relevant agencies to step up monitoring of transboundary haze affecting several parts of Sabah, particularly along the Malaysia-Indonesia border.