The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) will receive 92 boats of various types to beef up security surveillance at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE).

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamad said these included interceptor, utility and combat boats, that would be stationed at ESSCOM in stages.

"Besides increasing logistic assets, the government also proposed to reinforce the personnel strength in ESSCOM to enhance its capacity and responsibility in maintaining security in ESSZONE," he said.

He told reporters this after a working visit to several places in ESSZONE, including border posts in Lahad Datu and Semporna.

On his work visit together with Deputy Home Minister Masir Kujat, Nur Jazlan said it was aimed at assessing and identifying the needs of security personnel on duty in ESSZONE.

Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the fate of Thien Nyuk Fun and Bernard Then Ted Fen, the two victims kidnapped in Sandakan last May, Nur Jazlan said both were reported to be safe.

"Efforts to free both kidnap victims is being carried out and what is important is that they are still safe," he said.