MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES COMMITTED TO ENHANCING BORDER SECURITY

From Mohd Shukri Ishak

MANILA, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the Philippines have expressed
commitment in ensuring security at the border and in tackling illegal
immigration, Malaysian Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Zahid said the matter was among the issues discussed during a meeting with
Philippine national defence secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin.

"There will be a follow up visit by the Malaysian foreign minister and home
minister to show Malaysia's commitment in collaborating with the Philippines in
the effort to enhance stability at the border," he told Malaysian journalists
here.

Zahid, who earlier called on Gazmin, is on a two-day visit to this country.

On Tuesday, he would proceed to Mindanao to present humanitarian aid to the
local community.

Zahid also said that security at the Malaysia-Philippines border was under
control.

"The Malaysian security forces have been monitoring the waters in the east
coast of Sabah, through the security operation known as the Ops Pasir, to
maintain security in the area and prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the
border," he said.

The "Ops Pasir" was launched in September 2000.

Zahid said during the meeting Monday, they agreed to further enhance ties
including in terms of joint-exercise between the security forces of both
countries.

In Mindanao on Tuesday, Zahid is scheduled to be given a briefing on the
operations of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team which monitors the
implementation of the cessation of hostilities between the Philippine government
and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
-- BERNAMA