20 illegals detained in Lahad Datu

LAHAD DATU: Twenty individuals including six women, who were believed to be illegal immigrants, were picked up during an integrated operation launched at squatter areas at Kampung Lok Banga, Tungku, yesterday.

District police chief ACP Nasri Mansor said a total of 80 individuals were inspected during the four-hour operation which began at 2am and ended at 6am.

Nasri said of the number, 20 of them, comprising 13 men, six women and a boy were later detained after failing to produce valid identification documents.

“All those arrested were being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said, in a statement yesterday.

According to Nasri, during the operation, they also nabbed two men under Section 30(1)(g) of the Forest Enactment 1968 for possessing forest produce.

The arrest of those two men, he said, led to the seizure of a chain saw and 31 modified wood in various sizes.

“This operation, which was accompanied by 207 officers and members from the Royal Malaysian Police, Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), Immigration Department, National Registration Department and Forestry Department aims to flush out the illegal immigrants.

“This operation was also intended to trace offences related to the forest enactment as the squatter settlement is located in a mangrove reserve,” he said.

Nasri added that such operation would continue from time to time to ensure the area was safe from any threats.