Sabah police have increased security surveillance ahead of the national-level Malaysia Day celebrations here on Sept 16 to ensure the highest level of safety for all.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din said sufficient manpower including for traffic control will be be deployed to ensure the smooth running of the celebrations which will be held at the Likas Sports Complex.

"The security surveillance does not only cover Likas but also the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. We understand that many people will be present for the celebrations and security will also include the (Kota Kinabalu International ) airport and areas around it," he said.

Ramli was speaking to reporters after attending the Malaysia Day Patriot Cyclothon organised by the Sabah National Civics Bureau with the collaboration of the Kota Kinabalu City Council here today.

Ramli said the security of Sabah waters was under control and constant vigilance.

About 500 people from cycling clubs and non-governmental organisations in Sabah participated in the cycling event.

Besides Ramli, Sabah Minister for Community Development and Consumer Affairs Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid and State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman also participated in the 18-kilometre challenge which began and ended at the Sabah State Government Administrative Complex here.

The cyclothon began at 6.50 am and the cyclists were flagged off by Sabah Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Hajiji Noor who is also the chairman of the state National Day celebrations, representing Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman.

-- BERNAMA