Police investigating whether informers linked to terrorists, kidnappers

KOTA KINABALU: The police will carry out a thorough investigation to determine how far the six individuals that were detained in Saturday’s massive raid in Telipok on suspicion of masterminding in providing information to foreign criminals, were involved in any Sulu terrorists or kidnap for ransom (KFR) groups.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said investigation would also be carried out from all aspects in order to identify the possibility of information that had been provided by the suspects to their criminal networks.

Abdul Rashid urged all parties to remain calm and be patient so police can conduct their investigation as the matter involved national security and sovereignty.

“Investigation is still ongoing. Let the police carry out our investigation as this matter involves national security and sovereignty,” he said yesterday.

A massive joint operation was carried out by the police, army and other agencies in Telipok on Saturday.

Besides the five men and a woman aged 19 to 50, 514 people were also arrested in the 1am operation on Saturday for staying in the country illegally.

It is learnt that the 514 illegal immigrants were held at the temporary detention centre in Menggatal before being referred to the Immigration Department for further action.

The six mastermind suspects are being detained for investigation under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).

Meanwhile, the Sabah Suluk Solidarity Council (MPSS) praised the authorities, especially the police, for conducting operations against illegal immigrants in the state.

Its secretary, Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto, said such an operation served as a warning to masterminds of criminal activities

“MPSS fully supports the massive operation as it is the most effective approach. It is time for the authorities to put in a show of force to address the issue on illegal immigrants and crime effectively,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

Mohd Zaki called on the Suluk people in Sabah to cooperate with the authorities to curb crime and the presence of illegal immigrants in the state.