Esscom continues op in LD, nabs 15 illegals

Lahad Datu: A total of 15 illegal immigrants were nabbed in the third special integrated operation launched by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) at six separate villages in Felda Sahabat, here, Thursday. Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, in a statement on Friday, said those detained, aged between 16 and 49, all from the Philippines, failed to produce documents.

"Continuous operations and show of force implemented last week have given an impact as most of the illegal immigrants have left the areas to avoid security forces.

"Among villages inspected were Kg Tambisan, Kg Long Patau, Kg Lok Buani, Kg Tanjung Labian Darat, Kg Tanjung Batu and Kg Tanjung Tegupi Laut," he said.

According to Wan Bari, a total of 450 individuals were inspected and of the figure, a total of 62 were taken to the documentation centre for screening process by the Immigration Department and National Registration Department (NRD).

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Wan said all those detained will be investigated under Section 6(1)(C) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 before being taken to Temporary Detention Centre in Sandakan for deportation.

"During the operation, we also nabbed two foreign plantation workers in their early 20s for suspected substance abuse and the duo have been handed over to the police for investigations under the Dangerous Drug Act 1952," said Wan.

He said also said the local authorities from the District Council destroyed 93 houses in three villages found to be built on government land.

He said the premises at Kg Kenali, Kg Pangkalan and Kg Batu were found vacant.

"The local authorities have prior to that issued notices to vacate the area since January last year.

However, most chose to ignore the notice," he said.

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He said the operation not only aimed to flush out illegal immigrants but also to trace and eliminate any criminal elements and stop militants such as Abu Sayyaf and Daesh from entering the State following drastic military actions enforced by the Philippine forces in Marawi.

He said Esscom will take proactive steps including tightening security control of the nation's waters, especially at the borders, while cooperating with the Philippines security forces in terms of intelligence and exchange of information. - Efa Rizan

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