TAWAU, June 18 — The Joint Task Force 2 (ATB 2) of the Malaysian Armed Forces which has been manning the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) is always prepared to deal with any kind of threats against the state, said its chief Brig Gen Zarondin Md Amin.

He said this was based on the task force’s strength which had been manning the territorial waters round-the-clock, comprising the islands and along the 1,577 kilometres of coastline from Kudat to Tawau.

"Besides the skills of our personnel, we also have sea and air (military) assets which complement the operations in the ESSZone.

"During this festive season, the number of boats and vessels will be increased as well as the Nuri helicopters and land (military) assets such as ‘gempita’ and all terrain vehicles for patrolling in the coastal area,” he told Bernama here at the Kukusan Camp here today. — Bernama