Esscom tested the mobile live database system, with three neighbouring countries, during a joint exercise named Operation Maharlika last November.

“We have tried out the Interpol database successfully and we found it to be really useful,” Esscom commander Hazani Ghazali told FMT.

“The Interpol system is online worldwide so we get information and real-time updates on criminals and militants from law enforcement authorities in other countries. We have decided to use the system permanently.”

Operation Maharlika, which means “majestic” in the Tagalog language, was conducted from Nov 1 to 15, with training and equipment support from Interpol.

During the operation, security agencies from participating nations were exposed to Interpol’s worldwide database of criminals, particularly terrorists.

The other participating nations were Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Bukit Aman director of Internal Security and Public Order, Zulkifli Abdullah launched the operation on Oct 31 in Sandakan.

“The operation will be coordinated by the four countries,” Zulkifli said. “If the operation is successful, we will review it and may continue it in the future. If there’s a cross-border entry of foreign terrorists, we will share the information in real time.”

In Malaysia, the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) was the focus of the operation, the first of its kind in the country.

Malaysia, Interpol to conduct ops against entry of foreign terrorists