Voluntary services teams are needed in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) to assist the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) in its role.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said safeguarding the country's security is not the sole responsibility of ESSCom.

"It is a role that requires the cooperation of the people and volunteer teams. So I urge the community in ESSZone to become volunteers particularly in the Civil Defence Department," he told a media conference after a working visit to some islands off Lahad Datu and Semporna near here today.

Meanwhile, Shahidan said he was satisfied with the initiatives taken by ESSCom such as to acquire assets at reasonable prices and expeditiously.

"This is very extraordinary as it meant saving the government in budget allocation.

He also reminded resort operators in ESSZone to comply with advisories issued by ESSCom.