3 hotspots forsmuggling in Tawau known
Published on: Thursday, October 23, 2014
TAWAU: Batu-Batu Jetty, Sabindo and Haji Kuning River are believed to be hotbeds for the smuggling of subsidised goods to neighbouring countries, said District Maritime Chief, Captain Anor Jaafar. According to him, this suspicion was based on their observations and patrols at the sea."Based on observations, we found that the routes used by smugglers are Haji Kuning River and Pulau Sebatik from Batu-Batu Jetty, Sabindo," he said, adding that they will have regular patrols around the hot spot areas.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to him, they are very serious in curbing the activities, as it would result in losses for the government as well as the people.However, he said that they required cooperation from the local communities as well as other agencies.On Tuesday, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said police will focus on combating smuggling activities not only at sea but also on land.This was because smuggling activities garnered huge funds to strengthen other criminal activities such as kidnapping-for-ransom in the southern Philippines.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said the declaration of curfew in six East coast districts had disrupted smuggling activities, causing syndicates to change tactics by using barter-trade ships plying the waters between Philippines and Tawau, Sandakan, Semporna and Lahad Datu.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
ADVERTISEMENT
He said if the operations do not help the economy due to certain parties taking advantage and misusing the facilities, there is no reason to continue such operations.
