style="text-transform: uppercase;">Kunak: Employers have again been reminded not to hire illegal immigrants. Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander DCP Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said employers would be penalised if they are found to have sheltered or hired them as it is against the law.

He also reminded communities living in the coastal areas here to likewise observe the law.

Abdul Rashid said as of today efforts to track down the militants who escaped the incursion two years ago are still ongoing, adding that they are still believed to be hiding in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone.

"I urge villagers along the coastal areas or Kunak, Lahad Datu and Semporna not to conspire and give shelter to these militants," said Abdul Rashid, adding locals should come forward and report the presence of illegal immigrants and any suspicious individuals in their respective area to Esscom and security forces.

He said this during a ceremony with communities here on Friday.

"Esscom will not compromise with anyone who collaborates with the illegal immigrants and the Sulu militants who were behind the Tanduo incursion in 2013," he said.

"Although it is peaceful and calm now in Esszone, no one should take it lightly," he added.

Abdul Rashid said the Special Integrated Ops that is scheduled to be held in Kunak soon will involve various enforcement agencies both Federal and State.

The operation is currently focused on Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Sandakan.