TSCP strengthens security control in Tawau

TAWAU: The 24-hour temporary sea checkpoint (TSCP) here will be able to strengthen security control in curbing illegal immigrants' entry and smuggling activities.

Tawau Maritime Zone director Captain V. Siva Kumar, said currently, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) KM Pintar vessel, with its 20 personnel, is operating as the TSCP.

“Personnel on duty will conduct detailed inspections on boats and ships, besides (checking) the captain or passengers’ documents,” he told reporters after conducting sea monitoring here, Sunday.

He said since the TSCP was activated in April last year in line with the implementation of Op Cegah Pati, it had chased away 15 suspicious boats which had also attempted to smuggle migrants into this country.

Besides the TSCP, the MMEA has also mobilised two boats for security patrol from Semporna borders to the Burs Point security post.

“Among the high profile cases solved were the seizure of 17 kg of syabu worth RM2.5 million in Batu Payung waters and the 1,160 cigarette cartons seizure worth RM179,000 in Kampung Titingan waters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Siva Kumar said the MMEA had arrested 84 individuals comprising 28 locals, 24 Indonesians and 32 Filipinos, for various offences involving seizures worth RM3 million last year.

On challenges faced by the Tawau MMEA, he said besides the vast area of coverage, the agency has to deal with the endless and everchanging rat trails as well as the criminal activities which are often conducted in darkness at night.