Troublemakers warned

Cops on alert for those from neighbouring country out to create chaos

KOTA KINABALU: Police are on the alert for individuals from a neighbouring country holding dual citizenship who may enter Sabah to vote and create trouble during polling on Saturday.

There had been intelligence reports that something of this sort was being planned to vote for certain leaders in the election, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.

“I am warning them not to disrupt the democratic process in this country.

“If we arrest them and confirm that they are holding dual citizenship, we will cancel their identity card and deport them,” Abdul Hamid said after observing the early voting process at the Senior Officers’ Mess of the Sabah police headquarters in Kepayan yesterday.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the state’s history with regards to criminal activities was unique.

“In 1985 there was a pirate attack in Lahad Datu and then another one in 1996 in Semporna.

“There have been strings of kidnap for ransom incidents as well as the never-ending Sulu claim on Sabah as well.

“That is why anything is possible in Sabah,” he said.

The Armed Forces meanwhile said they were prepared for any possibility following information that illegal immigrants might head to Sabah to disrupt the election.

Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Affendi Buang said the military-led Ops Benteng would be strengthened to protect the land and sea borders.

“The operation is conducted systematically to ensure the election runs smoothly.

“I believe we can be successful with the involvement and cooperation of other security forces and agencies,” he said.

Jen Affendi urged the locals to be the security forces’ eyes and ears as defending the country’s sovereignty was the responsibility of all Malaysians.

“The people, especially those in Sabah, are urged to cooperate by relaying information on the encroachment of illegal immigrants and cross-border crimes.

“Those with information can contact the National Task Force hotline at 011-6251 1223,” Jen Affendi said.

If we arrest them and confirm that they are holding dual citizenship, we will cancel their identity card and deport them.

Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador