Esscom gets more criticism following latest kidnapping

"If Malaysia was to follow the example set by South Korea, I do not know how many director-generals are going to be changed at Esscom."

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) was today called a toothless tiger following the kidnapping of another Chinese national this morning in a situation which is bound to increase tension between China and Malaysia.

Early this morning, Yang Zai Lin, 34, was abducted by Abu Sayyaf gunmen from a fish farm near Pulau Babi, Lahad Datu and taken away in a speedboat.

Despite Malaysia's security dragnet, the kidnappers managed to escape into international waters and are believed to have headed for southern Philippines.

Yang, a Guangzhou native, had been running the fish farm for three years. The farm is owned by Hong Kong-based Wonderful Terrace Sdn Bhd.

This latest kidnapping comes barely six weeks after another Chinese national, 29-year-old Gao Hua Yun, was kidnapped together with Filipina Marcy Dayawan @ Mimi from the Singgahmata Reef Resort near Semporna. The two victims have yet to be released by the kidnappers.

In today's incident, Yang, a Guangzhou native, was taken away by five men dressed in army fatigues. At least three of them were said to be armed with M-16 assault rifles.

Esscom director-general Datuk Muhammad Mentek confirmed the incident, saying land and air assets had been deployed to intercept the speedboat.

However, the kidnappers escaped after a shootout with security officials.

DAP Sabah vice-chairman Chan Foong Hin said Esscom appeared to be a toothless tiger which is incapable of protecting eastern Sabah.

"Stop living in denial. This morning's incident has clearly shown Esscom's glaring deficiencies," Chan said in a statement.

"If Malaysia was to follow the example set by South Korea, I do not know how many director-generals are going to be changed at Esscom."

Chan was referring to South Korean premier Chung Hong-won, who offered his resignation after criticism of the government's response to the April 16 ferry disaster.

"It is time for Putrajaya to take firm action and ensure that Sabah is safe from intruders," Chan said.

MPs from both sides had previously called for Esscom to be dissolved, expressing their unhappiness over the agency's failure to prevent intrusions by Abu Sayyaf gunmen.

In an earlier statement, Kalabakan MP Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh said the people of Sabah were fed up and angry with promises to boost and strengthen Esscom.

"They have been suffering from a lack of security in the state since 1979."

Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang said Esscom was a white elephant and a waste of public funds.

"It is [time] to dissolve the agency as it has not proven to be effective in protecting eastern Sabah."

Esscom covers 1,400km of the east coast of Sabah from Kudat to Tawau.

It was established in March last year by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak following the Lahad Datu incursion by armed Sulu militants.

Its purpose is to strengthen maritime security in the eastern part of Sabah and to prevent terrorist activity in the waters off Sabah.

In November last year, Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei was abducted from the Pom Pom island resort while her partner, Li Min Hsu was shot dead.

Chang was freed a month later after a substantial ransom was paid to the Abu Sayyaf via intermediaries.

Following Gao's kidnapping, China's foreign ministry urged Malaysia to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens here.

The Chinese consulate in Kuching also demanded that Malaysian security forces ensure the safety in Chinese tourists in the state.

China's ties with Malaysia have come under stress following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 on March 8.

MH370 was carrying 12 crew members and 227 passengers, of which 153 were Chinese nationals. It has yet to be found.

Malaysian Insider