BEAUFORT: The swift action of the security forces in defeating members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group hiding in squatters at the Taman Sri Arjuna mangrove here on Monday (May 17) received praise from residents in the district.
Mohd Hairol Jais, 33, never expected the area behind their house to be a hideout for the terrorists.
On the day of the incident, Mohd Hairol, who works as a security guard, heard the sound of an explosion, but thought it was just the sound of firecrackers.
“Since it’s Hari Raya, I thought it was the sound of firecrackers, but after that I saw many from the police coming, and news about the shooting went viral,” he said here, Wednesday. Mohd Hairol, however, said he waited for confirmation from the authorities about the incident, and was relieved when the individuals wanted by the authorities were successfully defeated.
Another resident in her 40’s, who only wanted to be known as Kamaliah, also praised the swift action of the security forces in fighting the terrorists who originated from a neighbouring country.
“I only learnt about the news through the mass media yesterday (Tuesday), and there were fears about the security situation here, but the quick action of the security forces to eliminate the terrorist group was a great relief to us,” she said.
Meanwhile, a check at the scene found that the area was hidden from public view as it required passing through the residential area before reaching a hilly path heading up for about 150 metres.
From the top of the hilly path, there is another hillside trail to enter the area where the squatters are located, and there are several dilapidated wooden houses built close to each other, surrounded by the forest.
Meanwhile, Beaufort District Police Chief DSP Yusoff Zaki Mat Yaacob said the police would work with the Beaufort District Council to demolish the squatters.
“It is to ensure that the area is no longer used by the illegal immigrants,” he said.
