BELURAN: A total of 29 individuals were arrested for various offences through an Integrated Operation carried out at the Sapi Nangoh Road Check Point (RCP) here from May 9-11.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said the operation coordinated by Esscom in collaboration with the police, Malaysian Armed Forces and various Federal and State departments and agencies, was implemented in an effort to ensure the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) is safe, prosperous and peaceful.
He said the operation also aimed to curb the smuggling of controlled, subsidised and untaxed goods, as well as the intrusion of illegal immigrants and enforcement against other offences on the main routes connecting the west and east coasts of Sabah.
“This includes the rat trails identified as being used by criminals in the inland areas of Beluran,” he said in a statement, here, Sunday.
SPONSORED CONTENT Electrifying windows of opportunity in Sabah - The right policies, collaborations, and strategies can turn emerging opportunities into victories for all parties in Sabah. CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s 2021 Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Plan and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) have laid out a road map to an exciting future for all Sabahans, with a target of increasing Sabah’s income levels and GDP per capita from about RM 23,000 to about RM 40,000 by 2030. Read more During the operation, a total of 512 various types of land vehicles were inspected involving 1,076 individuals.
From this, 11 Filipino and Indonesian illegal immigrants were arrested and handed over to the Beluran Immigration Department for further investigation.
Additionally, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry also detained two Filipino nationals and a four-wheel drive vehicle was seized on suspicion of carrying 600 litres of diesel without a permit.
He added that seven adults were also arrested in the same operation where initial urine tests showed they were positive for methamphetamine, while 0.41 grams of drugs were also seized from two individuals and the cases referred under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Another seven individuals were arrested on suspicion of carrying 1,135 cartons of various brands of untaxed cigarettes.
The cases will be referred under Section 135(1) of the Customs Act 1967 for further investigation by the Beluran District Police Headquarters.
A total of 96 traffic summonses were also issued during the operation.
Victor expressed his gratitude to the 103 officers and personnel who contributed to the operation’s success.
“The success is also part of the Government’s ongoing efforts through Esscom’s Sanggah Operation to empower existing operations under the police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and other enforcement agencies in the Esszone,” he added.
Victor said it is also in line with Esscom’s aspiration of “No Day Without Operations” to ensure threats of foreign encroachment can be contained and public safety is maintained on the east coast of Sabah.
“Esscom will also continue to intensify such integrated operations in the Esszone to curb any cross-border crime elements that could threaten public security and well-being on the east coast of Sabah,” he added.
The public is also urged to channel information related to any security incidents in the Esszone to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via the WhatsApp line at 01163311072.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.