Esscom steps up protection for stateless communities

KOTA KINABALU - The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has pledged to safeguard undocumented and stateless communities from exploitation, as they face cross-border threats. Esscom's commander, Datuk Victor Sanjos, highlighted the challenges faced by these communities, including the lack of valid identification, limited access to formal employment, socioeconomic factors, and the location of some communities. Women and children are particularly in need of protection, he told the New Straits Times.

Esscom will take various measures to address these issues, such as verifying individuals' identities to differentiate between victims of exploitation, those requiring protection, and suspects of criminal offenses. Any information related to human trafficking, forced labor, smuggling, or syndicate activities will be assessed and coordinated with relevant agencies for further action if necessary.

Matters concerning documentation, welfare, and social protection fall under the jurisdiction of multiple government agencies, necessitating scrutiny and inter-agency cooperation.

The exploitation of undocumented Bajau Laut youths for labor in Semporna was recently reported by the New Straits Times. Associate Professor Wan Shawaluddin Wan Hassan, from Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Social Sciences and Humanities Faculty, explained that increased maritime security measures, conservation restrictions, and declining marine resources have reduced the areas where some members of this community can fish and move.

Following the 2013 Lahad Datu intrusion, security measures have been further tightened by Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Victor emphasized the importance of a community-based approach in protecting vulnerable groups, especially in island and coastal areas. He stated that local communities can serve as the eyes and ears for authorities and act as Esscom's mobile intelligence network, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.