PENAMPANG – The arrest of Abu Sayyaf militant group members in Pulau Timbang, Sandakan, recently was not connected to any politician as alleged on social media, said Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali.
He said the militant group members are in Sabah due to oil palm plantation owners who had employed migrant workers without doing background checks.
“The suspects were disguised as workers while plotting crimes like kidnapping, such as what had happened in Beaufort and Sandakan.
“Therefore, I urge plantation owners not to be fixated on saving money, but prioritise the safety of the people and the country,” he said at a press conference after a working visit to Penampang district police headquarters here today.
Hazani said plantation owners should ensure they employ only workers with complete self-identification documents.
“If they have the workers’ documents, then they can share it with authorities if an unwanted incident happens.
“Employers who fail to file their worker’s identification information can face legal action under Section 55 of Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said.
On August 18, the police arrested 11 men in Pulau Timbang, Sandakan, believed to be linked to the militant group. Two others were shot dead on August 20.
A few days ago, social media users linked one of the suspects to a politician in Sabah.
Hazani said that police have yet to receive any report regarding the claim.
He asked for the public to stop spreading fake news that can cause disharmony among residents. – The Vibes, August 27, 2021
