KOTA KINABALU, Sept. 24 -- Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun is confident the federal government will safeguard the state's borders in the Balabac Strait, despite concerns surrounding a US-backed Philippine military facility in the region.

Speaking to reporters after the Sabah Carbon Forum today, Masidi said that border security falls under the jurisdiction of Putrajaya.

"It's under their authority. So, definitely, I'm very sure that our government has done all that is necessary and reasonable to make sure that our borders are well-guarded," he said.

When asked if Sabah would see additional security reinforcements, Masidi replied, "All I can say is that I don't think they will allow Sabah to go undefended."

The minister ...