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SANDAKAN – The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) arrested 55 irregular migrants from Indonesia and the Philippines during an integrated operation (Op Gasak Laut) which targeted pump boats in the waters off the eastern coast of Sabah today.
ESSCom commander Hamzah Ahmad in a statement said the operation was aimed at curbing the misuse of pump boats, which records showed, are often used by intruders for criminal activities such as kidnapping, robbery, smuggling, and fish bombing in Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) waters.
He said a total of 375 security personnel from Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau were involved in the operation, which inspected a total of 88 boats.
The detainees were arrested under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“A total of 69 were seized for suspected offences under the Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002.
“All boats have been handed over to the Sabah Ports and Harbour Department (SPHD) for further action,” he said.
Hamzah said ESSCom will intensify operations to combat the illegal use of pump boats and advised all boat owners on Sabah’s east coast to obtain a valid licence issued by the SPHD to avoid enforcement action.
Members of the public with information relating to security threats on Sabah’s East Coast may contact ESSCom’s Operation Centre at 089-863181 or through WhatsApp at 011-63311072. – The Vibes, September 3, 2022