TAWAU: A local in his 70s failed in his attempt to transport eight suspected illegal immigrants, including two children, from Sipitang to Tawau when he was stopped at a Road Check Point (RCP) in Kalabakan, near here, on Thursday.
Tawau District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said they were detained during an operation by a team from the General Operations Force (GOF) Company C, Battalion 14, at 11.15am.
“The team encountered a suspicious four-wheel drive vehicle during a snap check on Jalan Batu 2, Kampung Murut, Kalabakan.
“Inspections showed the driver was a local, while his eight passengers, aged between two and 50, failed to furnish any valid documents,” he said in a statement.
Initial investigations revealed that each passenger was charged RM150 for transportation from Sipitang to Tawau.
Jasmin said all the individuals were detained and the vehicle seized and taken to the Tawau District Police Headquarters for further investigations under Section 55E of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 6(1)(c) of the same Act.
He said the case was part of ongoing efforts to curb human trafficking and unauthorised immigrant activities in the country.
“The arrest demonstrates the police’s commitment, particularly the GOF, in safeguarding national security, especially in border areas frequently used as primary routes for illegal immigrant smuggling,” he added.
He urged the public to continue cooperating in combating human trafficking and illegal immigration and to report any suspicious information to the authorities.
