PUMP BOAT ISSUE : SABAH GOVT. SHOULD MORE AWARE SAY JAINAB

KOTA KINABALU: Stringent enforcement should be put in place where the use of pump boats are concern, said Sabah Wanita Umno Chief, Datuk Dr Jainab Ahmad,Wednesday.

She said the use of pump boats shouldn’t be allowed in the first place as it complicates safety and security issues off Sabah’s shores.

While calling for further enhance on security measures off the State’s waters, she said the government should be more aware and not allow this.

“We have received numerous complaints from coastal residents who are worried for their safety, especially since there are frequent instances where many are still seen using pump boats as they please,” she said here Wednesday.

She was commenting on the recent incident involving two suspected cross-border criminals who were gunned down during a fire exchange with security personnel off Felda Sahabat in Lahad Datu on Tuesday.

The duo were on a pump boat which was also subsequently seized by the team.The former Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister also said that by allowing pump boats, it makes easier for drugs, contraband cigarettes and fish bombing activities.

“I also understand that the government has allowed barter trade, which also includes making way for agriculture products to be brought in, but what about quarantine?

“Is the State Agriculture and Food Industry strict about this? I understand that some fruits from the neighbouring countries have infection,” she said.

She also conveyed condolences to the aggrieved family members following the unexpected passing of Major Mohd Zahir Armaya who was shot while performing a stunt at the Lok Kawi Army Camp, Wednesday.

“He was a brave man, who died in the line of duty serving the country. My deepest condolence to his family,” she said.

The ban on pump boats was enforced in April 2016 in an effort to tighten security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) following a spate of kidnappings.

It (ban) was however withdrawn this year as part of the Government effort to assist the B40 people in the east coast who use pump boats as a mode of transport, including by fishermen and has no connection with infiltration of militants.

The move continued to draw questions despite the government introducing a method to identify the pump boat owners through registration and colour identity of the pump boat allowed only for Malaysian citizens to make sure it is not misused.

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