EXPLORING THE NEXUS BETWEEN TRANSNATIONAL CRIME AND FOREIGN TERRORIST FIGHTER (FTF) MOVEMENTS IN THE SABAH TRI-BORDER AREA

Lead Researcher: Kennimrod Sariburaja

This study explores the interrelationship between transnational crime and the movement of Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) in Sabah, with a particular focus on illicit activities such as human smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal trade. Sabah’s strategic geopolitical positioning at the tri-border area of Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines has made it a focal point for non-traditional security threats. The region’s porous maritime borders and extensive coastline along Sabah’s Eastern Seaboard enable criminal syndicates and extremist networks to exploit security gaps, facilitating the unchecked movement of illicit goods, people, and finances. These threats are further compounded by socio-economic disparities and historical kinship ties, which provide channels for clandestine operations across borders.

The Sabah Tri-Border Area has long been recognised as a hotspot for transnational crime and terrorist activities. Groups such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) have utilised the region as a transit hub for operational movement, financing, and logistical support. The crime-terror nexus in Sabah is primarily driven by socioeconomic grievances and the exploitation of vulnerable coastal communities, who may engage in illicit activities either for financial survival or due to coercion. The illegal movement of FTFs from Indonesia and Malaysia into the southern Philippines, particularly via Sabah, underscores the growing role of smuggling networks and criminal intermediaries in facilitating extremist operations. The blurred lines between organised crime and violent extremism pose significant national and regional security concerns, as terrorist groups increasingly leverage criminal economies to sustain their activities.

Addressing this complex and interconnected security challenge requires a multidimensional approach that prioritizes enhanced border security, intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Additionally, counter-radicalisation initiatives, community resilience programs, and economic empowerment strategies must be strengthened to mitigate the vulnerabilities that enable the crime-terror nexus to thrive.

While extensive research has been conducted on terrorism and non-traditional security threats, this study seeks to introduce a new analytical framework that examines the specific factors linking cross-border crime and FTF movements in Sabah. The primary objective is to identify key security threats, analyse the transnational crime-terror nexus, and propose policy recommendations for mitigating risks and strengthening Sabah’s security landscape within the broader context of regional stability.