The order for fishermen in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) to install the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and the Very High Frequency (VHF) Marine radio in all boats is receiving positive response from boat operators here.
The Chief of Staff at the Operations Centre for the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), Brig General Datuk Md Rahim Mohammad said the positive feedback was an indication that the boat operators had begun to realise the importance of installing the equipment in order to ensure their safety.
“The fishermen have also begun to communicate with the security forces using the AIS and VHF radios to inform their current location when at sea, especially in risky areas,” he said in a statement in Lahad Datu, today.
Rahim also urged fishing boat operators who had not yet installed the communications devices to immediately do so for the common good.
“If they install these devices, ESSCom can send immediate aid if they are in an emergency situation, but it is difficult for us (ESSCom) to send help if we do not know the position of their boats, which is why it is important to install the AIS and the VHF,” he added.
He said the steps taken by the authorities received positive response, allowing the security forces to conduct surveillance in a better, planned and effective manner.
Share