Residents on the east coast of Sabah still live in fear despite the presence of the much-publicised Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), a BN parliamentarian has claimed.

NONE“I hear what the minister is saying but the residents on the Sabah east coast from Tawau to Lahad Datu do not feel safe,” said Abdul Ghapur Salleh (left)(BN-Kalabakan).

“(This is) because Esscom is much publicised (diwar-warkan) but to date, there has been no clear developments.”

He was referring to a reply by Shahidan Kassim, a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, who said the government has allocated millions of ringgit for Esscom.

Shahidan had said RM1.08 million has been allocated to upgrade nine of the 36 watch posts on the Sabah east coast.

Another RM100 million is earmarked for construction of 830 houses and supporting infrastructure to relocate those living in water villages and who are exposed to insurgency threats.

NONE"Of the 800 houses, not a single one has taken off, so I am asking that the minister provides me with a written reply detailing what has been done," Abdul Ghapur said.

To a supplementary question by M Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat), Shahidan (right) maintained that Sabahans are "not living in fear".

"We are increasing security personnel effective next year, as well as (undertaking) radar monitoring, but these things are not by way of Alladin's magic lamp and need time for planning ...

"The people in Sabah feel safe. This 'living in fear' only applies to Kuala Lumpur," he said, chiding the opposition for trying to block the government's efforts to introduce stricter laws.