LAHAD DATU – Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESScom), the federal defence and security authority guarding Sabah’s east coast areas from intrusion, has let out a stern warning against those involved in human trafficking and smuggling activities.
Esscom Commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman said the agency has identified several local masterminds working in cahoots with syndicates responsible for illegally ferrying goods and people into the country.
“I urge those working with these groups, especially in hot spots in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), to stop your activities immediately,” he said.
“Plans are being made to prosecute anyone who gets caught,” he added in a statement here today.
“I'm giving out a serious warning and we already have a list of the suspects here in Sabah,” he added.
Ahmad Fuad said Esscom will continue to intensify operations to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into Sabah in numerous hotspot areas, whether by road, sea or air.
On the same note, Ahmad Fuad urged local communities to report immediately to the Esccom operation centre or nearest police station if they detect any human trafficking and smuggling activities in their areas.
The entire ESSZone which Esscom guards covers some 1,400km of coastal areas, stretching from Kudat to Tawau.
Yesterday, the Malaysian armed forces announced that two more additional platoons and 18 more boats will be brought to the zone under ESScom.
ESScom currently has only 10 military vessels and 32 boats. – The Vibes, October 23, 2020
