BELURAN: A two-day integrated operation led by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) resulted in more than RM407,000 in enforcement actions and seizures.
The operation, conducted on Monday and Tuesday (Sept 28 and 29), involved 184 officers and personnel from various security and enforcement agencies.
Enforcement teams inspected 70 business premises and 170 vehicles, alongside three locations suspected of storing untaxed cigarettes and alcoholic beverages.
Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos said the operation focused on inspection of business premises, vehicles and selected locations suspected of being used to store illicit cigarettes and liquor, as well as detecting offences falling under the jurisdiction of the respective agencies.
He confirmed that enforcement actions and seizures totalled RM407,644.69 across multiple regulatory areas.
Compounds, summonses, outstanding payments and enforcement actions accounted for RM293,450.16, while untaxed cigarettes and alcohol worth RM114,194.53, including duties, were confiscated.
The Sabah Labour Department recorded RM207,100.16 in actions, including six compounds totalling RM159,000, orders for RM48,100.16 in unpaid sums and four compliance notices under the Sabah Labour Ordinance.
The Companies Commission of Malaysia issued six compounds amounting to RM30,000 and seven compliance notices, while the Employees Provident Fund inspected 14 employers, issuing five inspection notices and opening five cases for further probe.
The Road Transport Department issued 37 summonses worth RM6,250, while the Beluran District Council penalised two premises for improper waste management.
Seized contraband was confiscated under the Customs Act 1967 and handed over to the Sandakan Customs office for further investigation.
Immigration Department checks on 56 individuals revealed no offences, and documents inspected by the National Registration Department for 15 individuals were verified as valid.
Victor said the operation aimed to strengthen public order, curb smuggling and tackle violations regarding subsidised goods and immigration within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).
It also sought to increase the presence of security and enforcement personnel in identified areas and strengthen intelligence-sharing and coordination between agencies.
“The success of the operation reflected the command’s continued commitment to integrated enforcement and prevention efforts under its ‘No Day without Operations’ approach.
“Similar integrated operations would continue to be intensified across districts within the Esszone to curb cross-border crime, smuggling, leakage of controlled and subsidised goods, the presence of undocumented migrants and other activities that could threaten security and public order in eastern Sabah,” he said.
Esscom also urged members of the public to assist security and enforcement agencies by providing information on suspicious activities or security incidents in the Esszone.
Information can be channelled to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
