Lahad Datu: PM announces formation of Eastern Sabah Safety Zone

The Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE) to prevent incursions and ensure the security of the state comes into effect Monday.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who announced the setting up of the zone, said it would cover the eastern districts Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna and Tawau.
"The zone will be administered by a committee. Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman has been appointed ESSZONE committee chairman.
"He will be assisted by a chief executive officer and other members to be announced later," Najib said in his speech during the 206th Police Day Celebrations held at the Police Training Academy (Pulapol).
Malaysian security forces have been conducting operations in the east coast of Sabah over the past weeks to flush out a group of Sulu gunmen from the area.
The group from southern Philippines had been holed up in Kampung Tanduo since Feb 9.