KUALA LUMPUR: Immediate action will be taken to raise the preparedness of security forces in Sabah to the highest level following reports of a planned "invasion" by certain parties in the Sulu province.

       Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said security and intelligence agencies were aware of the report and they were in the midst of verifying the information with their counterparts in the Philippines, as mentioned by the Inspector-General of Police and Esscom commander earlier.

       "The Armed Forces' intelligence division is also constantly monitoring developments and gauging indicators that can jeopardise security," he told a press conference at Wisma Perwira here on Friday (Dec 10).

       The Senior Minister said he was also informed by the Armed Forces that so far, there was no clear indication or solid evidence based on the report.

       "However, as mentioned by the IGP and the Armed Forces chief, we will take immediate action to raise the level of preparedness to the highest level in Sabah.

       "Thus far, in the waters of Sulu and Sulawesi, which is the sea lane between Sabah and southern Philippines, we have the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) involving cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

       "The initiative is to ensure the sea lane is safe," he added.

       Hishammuddin said he also had a solid working relationship with his counterparts in Indonesia and the Philippines.

       "We are always communicating with each other on various matters of concern, especially security and safety," he said.

       Preserving the peace and prosperity in Sabah is always the ministry's priority, Hishammuddin said.

       "No matter the threat, I along with the ministry's leadership will ensure the safety of Sabah will not be compromised and the country's sovereignty is not easily threatened," he stressed.