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Malaysian authorities crack down on maritime security in Sabah

Stung by the recent spate of kidnappings, Malaysia is cracking down on all foreign vessels entering and exiting the east coast of Sabah, insisting that they must now follow designated routes, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), with immediate effect, local reports said.

Vincent Wee, Hong Kong and South East Asia Correspondent

May 8, 2014

1 Min Read
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Home Minister Zahid Hamidi was quoted as saying that all foreign vessels must follow the seven gazetted entry zones into Sabah or face action under Malaysian law.

A Chinese national fish farm manager was kidnapped by five armed men from Pulau Baik near Lahad Datu on the east coast near the border with the Philippines earlier this week and is believed to have been brought to the southern Philippines.

Last month, the same group of rebels, believed to be from the same notorious Abu Sayyaf group, kidnapped a Chinese tourist and an employee from a dive resort in the area.

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About the Author

Vincent Wee

Hong Kong and South East Asia Correspondent

Vincent Wee is Seatrade's Hong Kong correspondent covering Hong Kong and South China while also making use of his Malay language skills to cover the Malaysia and Indonesia markets. He has gained a keen insight and extensive knowledge of the offshore oil and gas markets gleaned while covering major rig builders and offshore supply vessel providers.

Vincent has been a journalist for over 15 years, spending the bulk of his career with Singapore's biggest business daily the Business Times, and covering shipping and logistics since 2007. Prior to that he spent several years working for Brunei's main English language daily as well as various other trade publications.

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