Criminal activities by foreigners in eastern Sabah: 17 boats, five individuals detained in ops

LAHAD DATU – The authoritative agency overseeing the security of much of Sabah against foreign incursions, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), has seized 17 pump boats and detained five individuals in connection with numerous criminal activities, ranging from drug-trafficking, piracy, illegal border crossing, smuggling and illegal fishing. 

Its commander, Datuk Victor Sanjos, said the seizures and arrests were carried out in multi operations codenamed Ops Gasak Laut Pamboat (OGL Pambot) and Integrated Operations in Semporna and Kunak on October 25. 

“The operations in both districts involved the collaboration of 210 officers and personnel from federal and state enforcement and security agencies, as well as local authorities,” he said in a statement here yesterday. 

The authorities involved included the Royal Malaysia Police, the Marine Police Force, the 17th and 14th Battalions of the General Operations Force, the Malaysian Armed Forces, and other entities. 

Under the OGL Pambot operation in Semporna, 17 individuals and 18 boats were inspected along the coastal and water routes used by boats to access Pekan Semporna, he said.

Three individuals, including illegal immigrants from the Philippines, were detained and were handed to the Immigration Department.   

The case is now being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63. It deals with unlawful entry into Malaysia by a person other than a citizen.

“Additionally, a boat owner was fined, and 17 boats were confiscated and handed over to the Sabah Ports and Wharves Department Semporna, for disposal,” Sanjos said. 

Meanwhile, 115 individuals were also inspected during the operation in areas identified as transit points for cross-border criminals and concentrations of illegal immigrants in water villages in the Kunak district. 

“As a result of these inspections, two individuals were apprehended by the Narcotics Crime Investigation Division of the Kunak District Police Headquarters. 

“The matter is now being investigated under Section 12(2)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for the possession of approximately 0.20 grams of syabu,” he said. 

Sanjos meanwhile advised all boat owners in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone to obtain their boat licences to avoid actions, adding that ESSCom will continue to hold future operations periodically to maintain control in the maritime and land areas in the region. 

He also called on the public to assist the agency in reporting abuses and security incidents by calling ESSCom operations centre at 089-863181 or WhatsApp at 011-63311072. – The Vibes, October 27, 2023