Integrated operation in ESSZone will go on — commander
LAHAD DATU: The integrated operation to hunt down illegal immigrants in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) will not be stopped although there are parties who claimed the operation has affected the economy of the people in the areas.
Despite the allegation, Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) commander DCP Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said the ongoing operation in Kudat, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau would be expanded to the other districts under ESSZone.
He said the operation that was coordinated by ESSCom and involving various state and federal enforcement agencies aimed to clean the ESSZone from smuggling activities and illegal immigrants.
Abdul Rashid said ESSCom would not compromise with any parties found protecting illegal immigrants, including employers and grassroot community leaders.
The operation was launched following the report of the Royal Commission Inquiry on illegal immigrants in Sabah and the order of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman to ensure the state would be clean from illegal immigrants.
“Security matters are a joint responsibility and security of people should be more important than personal interest and no party should question this noble effort,” Abdul Rashid said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of Integrity and Security Talk of Civil Servants here yesterday.
Also present were president of the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, Dr Anis Yusal Yusuff, ESSCom CEO Ruji Ubi, Jamil Mohd Dahalan from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and DSP Mohd Ruby Abu Bakar from Bukit Aman Special Branch.
Abdul Rashid also advised civil servants to always be honest and take full responsibility in implementing their duties and avoid corruption.
He said it is important for civil servants to strengthen the integrity and moral value while carrying their duties.
“ESSCom is always open to any feedback from all parties, including criticism for common benefit,” he added.
ESSZone covers 1,733.7 kilometers that include Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.