Eastern Sabah Security Command

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) is a Malaysian security area that covers 1,400 km of the east coast of Sabah from Kudat to Tawau. It was established by the Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Najib bin Abdul Razak and announced on March 7, 2013 by Musa Aman, the Sabah State Chief Minister. Its purpose is to strengthen maritime security in the eastern part of Sabah following the invasion crisis and prevent terrorist activities in the waters of Sabah, while at the same time ensuring that trade and business activity are not affected. The ESSCOM headquarters and main bases is at Lahad Datu.

On February 2014, the Malaysian government has plans to further extend the ESSCOM area to reach Sarawak. Ministry of Defence Hishammuddin Hussein on his statement said a discussions would be held with the government of Brunei, the Sarawak state government and oil and gas companies operating in the waters before the move was implemented.

Scope
ESSCOM is the authoritative body that oversees Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE), which comprises the districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau. The body is chaired by the Chief Minister of Sabah, assisted by a CEO appointed by the government. ESSCOM's primary initiative is the establishment of new police stations to further improve security.