Effect of esszone establishment on maritime security and economic activity: A case study of Tawau District

Non-traditional security (NTS) threats—trespassing, kidnapping, and smuggling—which repeatedly occur in Sabah (Malaysia) have threatened the country's sovereignty and security. The National Security Council of Malaysia has declared the east coast of Sabah as Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE) to inhibit NTS threats and increase security in the east coast of Sabah. However, the implementation of ESSZONE, such as curfews, may affect the maritime economic activities of the local people. Therefore, this paper examines the impact of ESSZONE toward security and maritime economic activity in Tawau.