KL tightens sea lane security near Sabah

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Foreign vessels seeking to enter Malaysian waters off northeastern Borneo will now have to follow specific routes or risk detention, part of new security measures taken since gunmen from the southern Philippines kidnapped hostages from Malaysian islands.

Defense Minister Najib Razak was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper Wednesday that the move was part of efforts to beef up security along the long coastline of Sabah state. The sea lanes would still lead to the main districts on Sabah’s west, north and east coasts.

“Once the regulations are enforced, all boats and ships must ply along the specific lanes,” Najib was quoted as saying by the national news agency Bernama. “Any vessel found outside the specific lanes will be considered a threat and detained.”

Military operations in these waters have reached unprecedented levels since Abu Sayyaf bandits from the southern Philippines entered Malaysian territory twice this year and took a total of 24 people hostage, including foreign tourists.

All but four of the hostages—three Malaysians and a Filipino— have been freed. The group is also holding hostage an American who had been living in the southern Philippines.

Abu Sayyaf, which claims to be fighting for an independent Muslim state, has endured more than a month of intense attack by the Philippine military in its island strongholds. Malaysia has meanwhile reinforced its military presence in Sabah with more troops, aircraft and patrol boats.

Najib said the newly assigned sea routes would have security personnel monitoring vessels for firearms and weapons, which would have to be surrendered before they are allowed to proceed.

Since security operations heightened, close to 500 people have been detained for trying to sneak into the country. The majority are Filipinos. Most are considered economic migrants.

Najib has previously said the Malaysian government was bracing its shores for “an exodus of refugees” following the Philippine military’s assault on the rebels in Jolo island, barely an hour away by boat.
--AP

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