Sunday December 28, 2003

IN recent years, the area around Pulau Sipadan has been under public scrutiny, not only for its tourist attractions and scenic beauty but also because of criminal incidents in the area.

Several kidnappings have occurred in the last two years, bringing about doubts over general and personal security on the 42 islands in the region.

These incidents have prompted the implementation of a much stricter security system manned by the combined forces of the Royal Malaysian Army, Air Force (RMAF), the Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) and the Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) made up of concerned volunteers.

About 650 officers from the RMAF, PDRM and PGA are stationed on each and every island in the region from Lahad Datu to Roach Reef, a man-made island located north towards the Philippines, according to officer-in-charge of troops Major Abdul Karim Ahmad (briefing the BRATs above)

Out of these officers, there are an estimated 100 commandos and a further 100 elite forces from Malacca, he explained to the BRATs. Even islands without inhabitants are occupied by at least two men.

For certain islands, security is beefed up, especially where there are visitors. For instance, during the BRATs 10th anniversary celebrations in Mabul, a contingency plan was devised for the expedition of 31 BRATs and a handful of facilitators should any emergency occur.

If any of the 42 islands come under terrorist threat, the BRATs would be evacuated. We have identified safe and classified areas in Mabul itself, and if an emergency such as a breach to security occurs, we will put everyone there. Then, we will evacuate the island either by helicopter or speedboat as soon as possible, Major Abdul Karim clarified .

He identified the close links between certain locals groups and the terrorist network as the main cause behind the successful terrorism-related activities around the islands. Without the villagers help, it would be virtually impossible for these terrorist groups to breach the military defences.

However, with the islands defences greatly strengthened now, it is certain that the security risks are kept at a minimum.

Original post:

Tighter security around islands