Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) is a Malaysian security area that covers 1,400 km of the east coast of Sabah from Kudat to Tawau. Its purpose is to strengthen maritime security in the eastern part of Sabah following the 2013 invasion crisis and prevent terrorist activities in the waters of Sabah, while at the same time ensuring that trade and business activity are not affected.
Additionally, ESSCOM is responsible for the establishment of new Police forces and stations in the region, infantry and base camps including mechanised infantry.
For Sea-based operations, ESSCOM have two mobile seabases, a permanent seabase, two island forward operating bases and a large fleet of patrol boats, which Sealegs are now a part of.
In March, 2016, Sealegs delivered five highly specialised 7.7m Full Width Console RIB to ESSCOM to use as patrol boats. The boats were customised with transom towers to allow for 4G Radar units and signal lights, as well as custom markings to label the boat as belonging to ESSCOM. The boats were also custom fitted with bimini canopies, full black paint on the boat, peripherals and outboard as well as Joltrider™ commercial seats.
The electronic package on the boat includes the aforementioned radar, 12" GPS/chart plotter, a pair of variable-direction flood lights, siren and VHF including AIS and loudspeaker.
In other words, the boats were built to purpose with the demands of the ESSCOM project in mind.
