KOTA KINABALU – Some 20 security officers have been arrested for alleged involvement in robbery activities in Semporna last August, the Home Ministry confirmed today.
In a parliamentary reply, the ministry said that the personnel were allegedly involved in two cases near Pulau Siamil, which is within the east coast district of Sabah.
“The authorities have received two reports, and they are classified under Section 395 of the Penal Code,” he said, referring to the law on “gang-robbery”.
“Arrests were made on some 20 security personnel. The suspects were bailed out on September 25. The case is still being investigated.
“We are still waiting for the outcome of the investigation,” the ministry said in its written reply to Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Semporna-Warisan) today.
Shafie had sought a detailed report on the arrests in Parliament.
On September 2, the former Sabah chief minister had urged the authorities to beef up the security in the district.
He said that it had come to his attention that some local seaweed entrepreneurs were robbed, kidnapped, and extorted when selling their products near the island of Pulau Siamil. He had alleged that the crimes were committed by security personnel. – The Vibes, October 5, 2022
