Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman said the state government welcomed and fully supported the restructuring of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

He was commenting on Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's announcement today that Esscom would have two main components, namely, security and defence management, and enforcement and public action.

Musa who is also Esscom chairperson, said the new development reflected the federal government's concern for the need to strengthen the security command and tighten security in the areas under it.

In a statement yesterday, he also welcomed Esscom Security and Public Order director DCP Abdul Rashid Harun's appointment as Esscom commander effective July 15, as apt, saying, the latter had vast experience and expertise in the aspect of security.

Meanwhile in Kuching, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan said improved coordination among the security agencies would enable Esscom to stave off any undesirable elements in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

"As a Sabahan, I appreciate the measures taken by the government, because any unfavourable incident that happens in the Esszone will not only adversely affect the area but also the whole state, particularly if the tourists stop coming," he said, after breaking fast with Fire and Rescue officers and staff at Petra Jaya, Jalan Sultan Tengah in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

- Bernama