TAWAU: Eighteen individuals without documents were arrested in an integrated operation coordinated by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in the district on Thursday.
Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos said a total of 187 people were inspected, resulting in the arrest of the 18 for violations under the Immigration Act.
He said Road Transport Department officials also inspected 103 vehicles, issuing 41 summonses for various offences.
The operation was conducted at the Tawau Public Jetty and Kampung Kurnia Jaya Batu 4, Apas, with involvement from multiple agencies, including the police, General Operations Force, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Customs Department, Immigration Department, National Registration Department and Tawau Municipal Council.
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He emphasised efforts to combat cross-border crimes, including smuggling and encroachment by non-citizens.
Victor highlighted the importance of enforcing laws to secure border entry and exit points, stressing the need to prevent further intrusions and maintain a zero rate of kidnap-for-ransom cases.
He noted that illegal immigrants often serve as informants for cross-border criminals in the Esszone.
He also thanked all agencies involved in the operation, aligning with Esscom’s vision of “No day without operations.”
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities in the Esszone to Esscom’s operations centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
Previously, Tawau was subject to a curfew order due to a series of cross-border crimes, particularly kidnappings.
This order has since been rebranded as a Movement Control Order effective Oct 17, 2023, restricting activities within three nautical miles of the international borders in areas including Sandakan, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Beluran and Kinabatangan.
Activities at sea in these areas must be stopped between 6pm and 6am.
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