He said this was due to the strict security measures implemented under the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), Bernama reported.

This achievement was the result of thorough planning and coordinated implementation involving the police, armed forces and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, all operating under a central command system.

Saifuddin, who is also the chairman of the Cabinet committee on border security, said reports on enforcement, inspections, arrests and incidents were presented regularly.

“Previously, kidnap-for-ransom crimes were rampant. Zero cases have been reported since January 2020.

“This did not happen by default but by design. It is the result of deployment, monitoring, readiness and the capability of assets led by the police under Esscom,” he said after inspecting the BUDI95 petrol subsidy programme involving police personnel at the Petronas petrol station on Jalan Bokara in Sandakan, Sabah, today.

Saifuddin said the government will continue to strengthen Esscom’s role to ensure the east coast of Sabah remains safe and conducive for economic development and tourism.

He said the peace achieved has given the government the confidence to once again promote the tourism potential of the east coast of Sabah by inviting diplomats and foreign representatives to visit the area, including the islands.

“Countries that previously issued travel advisories due to past incidents now have the opportunity to revise their decisions, and indeed some nations have already done so,” he said.

Saifuddin said the impact of improved security on the east coast of Sabah could already be seen, particularly in the increase in international flights at Tawau Airport.

“International flights from China alone have reached four to five daily,” he said.