Kota Kinabalu: The State Government, through the Forestry Department, has conducted integrated operations with the help of relevant agencies to combat encroachment into mangrove reserves.
In stating this, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Hajiji Hj Noor said agencies which helped, included the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APM) and Marine Police.
Hajiji stated this in his reply to Nominated Assemblyman, Datuk Suhaimi Nasir at the State Legislative Assembly recently.
“A total of 25 such operations were carried out since 2015 in mangrove reserves.
“Some 364 arrests were made out of which 181 people were found guilty and sentenced by the courts,” the Chief Minister said.
Suhaimi also asked Hajiji if the State Government planned to include any strategic plan in the 2023 State Budget to counter inflation and the rising cost of living and essential goods.
Hajiji who is also Finance Minister replied that what was asked involved a national issue, but the State Government will fully support any stand taken by the Federal Government on the matter.
