Hajiji said although the state had received numerous proposals on the matter, a detailed study must first be conducted to consider various factors.

He said the State Development Action Council and the National Security Council would discuss the matter in their meetings.

“We will study this … All aspects will be taken into account, especially security and its benefits to our economy,” he said in a statement.

Last week, Sungai Manila assemblyman Hazem Mubarak Musa urged the government to reconsider the barter trade system as a way to revive Sandakan’s economy.

He said the activity would not only boost Sabah’s economy, but also help attract investors to Sandakan, according to the Sabah News portal.

Esszone facilities in good condition

Hajiji also said he inspected the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone) and found that security facilities, including control posts, were in good condition after being upgraded.

He said he had raised the need for additional assets with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, noting that further enhancements were still required to strengthen maritime surveillance.

Hajiji also said he was reassured by the security situation along Sabah’s east coast, adding that no incidents had been reported for some time.

He added that a secure environment would encourage more tourist arrivals.

The Esszone is a special security area spanning some 1,700km of coastline in the east coast of Sabah.