Threat of Kidnapping for Ransom (KfR) in the East Coast of Sabah, Malaysia: The Role of Malaysia’s Joint Forces Command 2 (ATB2)

Abstract

The East Coast of Sabah is particularly vulnerable to cross-border security threats, especially smuggling of goods and weapons, entry of illegal immigrants, extremist groups and kidnapping for Ransom (KfR). One of the main threats in this area is the KfR carried out by the Abu Sayyaf Group (KAS) from the Southern Philippines. To address this threat, the government has made efforts such as establishing security agencies in Malaysia. However, preliminary studies focus more on the role of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in addressing this problem, even though several other security agencies also contribute to understanding the situation. This article attempts to analyse the Joint Task Force 2 (ATB2) and its function in controlling security on the East Coast of Sabah. This study uses qualitative research methods through interview techniques, fieldwork and library studies, and official government documents. The article found that despite various security issues and challenges in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) region, the role of ATB2 is crucial in ensuring national security.

Authors and Affiliations

Abdul Rashid Abdul Hamid, Ramli Dollah

Keywords

Related Articles

The Role of Think Tank in Turkish – European Union Discourse: A Case Study of Iktisadi Kalkinma Vakfi (IKV)

The role of non-state actors (ABK) is increasingly prominent in foreign policy development. In the context of Turkey’s integration into the European Union (EU), independent think tanks are seen as the “prime mover” in th...

Editorial Note: Precarious Turbulence of the Unjustly World Order and Malaysian Issues

In this editorial note, we present our overview of the selection process for the July issue of SINERGI's 2023 edition. Two main themes guided our choices for this issue. Firstly, we focused on the ongoing international i...

40 Years of Malaysia's Look East Policy and Relocation of Indonesia's Capital: Serumpun Solution in Sarawak-West Kalimantan Cross-Border Halal Hub

The relocation of Indonesia's new capital to Kota Nusantara (East Kalimantan) is a game changer. It creates a spill-over of the prosper thy neighbour policy upon the existing West Kalimantan-Malaysia Sarawak border for t...

Combating Islamophobia on the International Stage: The Need for Muslim Unity

Islamophobia has become the global norm, with governments in many countries blatantly discriminating against Muslims. Islamophobia should be recognized internationally as a violation of international human rights norms,...

Migrants' Housing: Bridging Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goals for Inclusive Communities in Malaysia

The United Nations issued the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights in 1966. Both recognise the right to an acceptable living standard, whic...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP720043
  • DOI https://doi.org/10.17576/sinergi.0101.2021.03
  • Views 61
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Abdul Rashid Abdul Hamid, Ramli Dollah (2021). Threat of Kidnapping for Ransom (KfR) in the East Coast of Sabah, Malaysia: The Role of Malaysia’s Joint Forces Command 2 (ATB2). SINERGI: Journal of Strategic Studies & International Affairs, 1(1), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-720043