Kota Kinabalu: Six people, including a woman, believed to be masterminds in assisting and channelling information to cross border criminals, were arrested during an integrated operation at the refugee settlement and surrounding squatter areas in Telipok, Saturday. As at press time the operation mounted by over 1,000 security personnel was still on-going but contrary to what was circulated on social media there was no exchange of gunfire.The six suspects were among 520 illegals nabbed during the operation which saw 4,794 people rounded up for a documentation process.
ADVERTISEMENT
State Police Commissioner Datuk Abd Rashid Harun said the six, in their 20s and 50s, were suspected to be actively involved in assisting foreign criminals which included drug activities. He said early investigations showed that the six were not terrorists. Investigations are still on-going to see if they are involved with any kidnap-for-ransom groups or if they were linked with the group involved in the Lahad Datu armed incursion three years ago.
He added that the six will be probed under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma). "We do not rule out possibilities of their link with other networks, but we will investigate from every angle, leaving no stones unturned, because this involves the security and sovereignty of our country," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
A total of 1,537 houses were inspected during the operation which began at 1am involving more than 1,000 security personnel from the police, army, Immigration Department, National Registration Department and the Health Department, among others. The massive operation was prompted by intelligence regarding the settlement.
ADVERTISEMENT
"We discuss and take into consideration every security aspect prior to any operation and because of that, we have an integrated operation with assistance from every agency," he said. Photos of armoured vehicles and heavily armed security enforcers went viral over social media with claims that there was an exchange of fire. "No weapons, firearms or drugs were seized for now but the operation is still on-going," he added. Abd Rashid also denied claims that there were shots fired but said one individual succumbed to injuries after slipping and falling into a ravine while trying to avoid inspection. He said such operation will be held from time to time with on-going security surveillance throughout the State. "I thank civilians who have channelled information to us and hope such cooperation will continue to ensure the security and sovereignty of our country is maintained," he said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
He also reminded people not to believe in rumours circulated over social media and to clarify information with the police. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar in his Twitter account also congratulated the State police and all security enforcement agencies including the National Security Council.
