TAWAU: A total of 13 pump boats and 26 individuals were inspected in an integrated operation dubbed “Ops Gasak Laut” in the waters from Batu 3 to Batu 5, here, Tuesday.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Commander DCP Victor Sanjos said five pump boats were seized and handed over to the Sabah Ports and Harbour Department.
“Five illegal immigrants were also detained and handed over to the Tawau Immigration Department for further action under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said.
He said Esscom coordinated the operation to curb the misuse of pump boats that are often used by cross-border criminals for kidnapping, robbery, smuggling and fish bombing in the waters within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).
“I take this matter very seriously and this operation which aims at large-scale inspections, catching and disposing of unlicensed pump boats is our effort to paralyse the mobility of cross-border criminal activities, especially smuggling and illegal entry,” he said.
Victor believes that the presence of security forces in a coordinated manner will create an element of deterrence to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Tawau waters in particular.
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He said Esscom is committed to enforcing and combating the abuse of pump boats, illegal entry and other violations that may threaten security in the Esszone.
He advised all pump boat owners within the Esszone to obtain a valid licence to avoid being taken action against by the authorities.
He also urged the community within Esszone to continue helping Esscom by reporting immediately instances of wrong use of pump boats to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
Meanwhile, the operation involved 96 officers and personnel of various ranks from State and Federal agencies.
They included the police, navy, Joint Task Force headquarters 2, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fisheries Department, National Security Council, Sabah Ports and Harbours Department, Immigration, National Registration Department, Civil Defence Force and the Tawau Municipal Council.
