Esscom denies using brute force to flush out illegals
Published on: Friday, May 29, 2015
Lahad Datu: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has brushed aside allegations that it had used brute force in the ongoing large-scale integrated operation to flush out illegals in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone). Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Abd Rashid Harun said security forces under Esscom did not marginalise, victimise or give two-way treatment to business operators or even illegal immigrants in discharging their official duties and responsibilities. "We are bound by standard procedures as provided for under the law. We are not acting alone during operations, but we work alongside with other enforcement agencies such as the Immigration, Royal Customs and Excise Department, as well as the relevant state agencies.
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"It is impossible for a member or officer of an agency or Esscom to use brute or excessive force without being noticed or without any reports by other agencies involved," he said in a statement here, Thursday. Abd Rashid was commenting on the remark of Tawau Chinese Chambers of Commerce President Lo Su Fui on Wednesday, claiming that Esscom personnel were being unprofessional and behaving like thugs during operations against illegal immigrants in Esszone. In this regards, Abd Rashid advised the aggrieved party, including business operators concerned, to lodge a police report or lodge a report to an independent body such as the Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission. "They should come up with a cogent evidence in order for the relevant authorities to take appropriate action. Otherwise, it is only a mere allegation without proof," he said.
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Abd Rashid said: "While Esscom adopts a business-friendly approach in tackling the illegals in Esszone, it cannot and will not compromise on matters of national security". He said this was because one of the core objectives of Esscom was to provide a safe and secure environment for socio- economic activities in Esszone.
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"It not only encompasses the business communities but also all walks of life. Our security operations with the local government enforcement agencies have been carried out with utmost professionalism and people-friendly manner. "If there were any abuse or misuse of authority by Esscom, why isn't any a single report made by the people? Without Esscom, there would be a climate of fear, more rampant criminal and smuggling activities, more influx of illegal immigrants, more Kidnap For Ransom (KFR) incidences and lastly, a possible second armed intrusion by the Royal Sulu Force (RSF)," he said. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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