“From a security standpoint, there have been no problems so far. The security personnel also conduct 24-hour patrols here,” he told Bernama during a visit to the island by various government agencies recently. 

Apart from the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), the visit was also joined by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and the Information Department of Malaysia (JAPEN). 

However, Dahim expressed hope that the round-the-clock security measure would be matched by improvements to basic amenities, as the village is still without a health clinic and residents depend entirely on well water. 

Dahim said electricity supply is also a major need, as the existing facilities provided power for only about six hours a day, from 6 am to noon. 

Sharing a similar view, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Dogoton headmaster Asiong Asung said the island is peaceful, with ‘zero incidents’ recorded throughout his eight years of service. 

On logistical challenges, Asiong said teachers had to take turns travelling to and from the island every seven weeks due to the limited ferry schedule.

At the same time, he hoped that the proposed development of a more conducive school infrastructure could be realised under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to ensure a better learning environment for rural students. 

He said the school had received donations of furniture and learning equipment, including chairs, tables, whiteboards and screens, with the support of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

Meanwhile, local trader Sedilman Amat said the limited ferry service forced residents to spend up to three nights on the mainland when urgent matters or medical treatment could not be completed according to schedule. 

“Alhamdulillah, the security here has been good so far, with no major problems. However, I hope ferry services to the island can be improved to make it easier for residents to seek medical treatment and attend to important matters on the mainland,” he said.

In this regard, Sedilman appealed for the two daily ferry trips in both directions to be reinstated to support the local community’s daily mobility. 

The visit by government agencies to Pulau Banggi was to assess first-hand local development gaps involving security aspects, utilities, education and ferry transport services. 

Pulau Banggi, located about 70 kilometres (km) from mainland Kudat, covering an area of 621 sq km, falls within the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZone) due to its proximity to international maritime routes and the Philippine maritime boundary, which lies just 53 km from the island. 

Earlier in May, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim went on a working visit to Pos Dogoton, a forward military post on the island, demonstrating the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s border defences. 

-- BERNAMA