Saifuddin Nasution vows stronger security, aims to place Malaysia in Global Peace Index top 10

SANDAKAN, Aug 8 — In an effort to climb the Global Peace Index rankings, Malaysia's Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has vowed to strengthen security measures across the country. Currently, Malaysia is ranked 12th out of 165 countries, placing it second among Southeast Asian nations and third in the Asia-Pacific region.

Saifuddin noted that boosting security and stability is crucial to garnering confidence, which serves as the foundation for all other aspects of development. Speaking at a dinner in conjunction with the security briefing and assessment programme for foreign representatives in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), Nasution expressed gratitude to Australia, the Republic of Korea, and Japan for their constructive reassessments of travel advisories regarding the ESSZone.

These reassessments, he emphasized, serve to acknowledge Malaysia's security achievements and strengthen confidence among international visitors. By reassessing their travel advisories, these countries not only recognize Malaysia's progress but also encourage tourism, promote sustainable investment, and further deepen the long-standing friendship between Malaysia and these nations.

Over the past 13 years, the Malaysian government has invested RM723 million in the security of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. Thanks to this commitment, Malaysia is now in a better position, allowing for free travel across its waters, island visits, and community engagement. Nasution credited the unwavering dedication of the government, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), as the driving force behind these improvements.