TAWAU: Thirty-three illegal immigrants were detained in a large-scale operation here last Thursday and Friday.
The integrated operation coordinated by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) saw a total of 684 individuals being checked.
Esscom Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said the 33 were detained for committing an offence under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“In addition, 143 different types of sea transport and vehicles were also inspected during the operation around the Old Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Jetty area here,” he said.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell awards Sabah LiveWIRE winners Kota Kinabalu: Shell has awarded five enterprises as the state winners of Shell LiveWIRE Malaysia 2024, following the Sabah state finals held at Plaza Shell in Kota Kinabalu. . Read more He added that the District Narcotics Crime Investigation Division, Tawau District Police Headquarters (IPD) arrested two individuals and seized 5.53gm of methamphetamine.
“The suspects and the drugs were taken to IPD Tawau for urine screening and further investigations under Section 12(2) and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (ADB) 1952,” he said.
In the same operation, Victor said the Tawau Region 4 Marine Police Force (PPM) arrested an individual for violating licence conditions under the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department Enactment (JPDS) and the case was handed over to the JPDS for further action.
He also said the Reinforcement Division of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Tawau branch arrested an individual and confiscated 160 litres of subsidised diesel, including a Toyota Hilux, under the Supply Control Act 1961.
“The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) also arrested an individual and confiscated 12 litres of liquor under the Customs Act 1967.
“The total estimated value of the seizures by KPDN and JKDM is RM11,165.50,” he said.
Victor said the operation was jointly conducted by 109 officers and members from various departments and agencies.
“The main objective of carrying out the operation in collaboration with police, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Federal and State enforcement departments/agencies and Local Authorities (PBT) is to ensure safety and maintain public order in the Eastern Sabah Safe Zone (Esszone),” he said.
“In addition, the operation also aims to combat the smuggling of controlled, subsidised, untaxed goods as well as curbing the infiltration of illegal immigrants.
He said Esscom will continue to intensify suchintegrated operation to the districts in the ESS Zone to curb any elements of cross-border crime that may interfere with public safety and well-being on the East coast of Sabah.
He called on the public to channel information related to any security incident in the Esszone to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863 181 or through WhatsApp at https://www.wasap.my/601163311072
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