KUNAK: An integrated enforcement operation involving 202 personnel from 19 agencies in Kunak recorded compounds, seizures and estimated penalties totalling RM269,439.26.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos said the operation aimed to safeguard public safety and order in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), while curbing smuggling, misuse of subsidised controlled goods, untaxed items, illegal immigration and other offences.
“The operation also increases the presence of security forces and strengthens coordination and information sharing among agencies for more effective enforcement,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
The integrated operation, which included Op Gasak Laut, involved inspections of business premises and checks for fish bombs, alongside enforcement activities on land and at sea.
Victor said the total amount covered compounds, the value of seized items and estimated penalties for cases requiring further investigation.
Among the enforcement actions, the Sabah Labour Department inspected 10 business premises involving 45 workers and recorded five cases, with compounds totalling RM170,000. The offences involved Sections 43, 59(a) and 110(a) of the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Cap. 67).
The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) inspected 21 business premises and issued a RM5,000 compound under Section 30(2)(e) of the Companies Act 2016. It also issued a compliance notice under Section 27B of the Companies Commission of Malaysia Act 2001.
The Customs Department inspected six premises and seized cigarettes valued at RM30,939.26, inclusive of duty, under Section 35(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. The items were taken to the Lahad Datu Customs Office for further investigation.
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) inspected 20 employers and issued five inspection notices under Section 38(2) of the Employees Provident Fund Act 1991.
Victor said five cases were suspected of involving offences under Section 41(1) and had also been identified for further investigation under Section 43(2) of the same Act.
He said the five cases carried a potential maximum penalty totalling RM50,000, subject to the outcome of investigations and legal proceedings.
The Kunak District Council inspected five business premises and issued a RM500 compound for operating without a valid licence.
Meanwhile, the Immigration Department checked 64 individuals and detained six for suspected offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. All six were taken to the Lahad Datu Immigration Office for further action.
Police inspected 12 premises and 60 individuals, leading to the arrest of four people for offences under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Sabah Electricity inspected 22 houses and seized seven kilogrammes of electrical cables worth an estimated RM3,000.
The Sabah Ports and Harbour Department seized nine pump boat engines, one outboard engine and one boat, with a combined estimated value of RM10,000.
Victor said the maritime seizures were part of ongoing enforcement efforts to ensure that boat operations and related equipment complied with the law.
The operation also involved the police, including the Kunak District Police Headquarters, Kunak Special Branch, 22nd Battalion General Operations Force, VAT69 and the Special Task and Rescue unit.
Other participating agencies included the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, 7th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment, Civil Defence Force, National Registration Department, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Labour Department, Fisheries Department and other relevant enforcement bodies.
Victor said the operation reflected Esscom’s continued commitment to strengthening security and enforcement in the Esszone under its “No Day Without Operations” aspiration.
He thanked all participating agencies and said similar operations would be intensified to safeguard the safety and well-being of people in eastern Sabah.
The public was urged to report suspicious activities or security incidents to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
