Seven illegals arrested in Lahad Datu

LAHAD DATU: Seven individuals believed to be illegal immigrants were picked up during an integrated operation coordinated by Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) on Friday.

ESSCom Commander, DCP Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the individuals were among 111 individuals inspected during the operation at Kampung Bakau Lama and Kampung Bakau Baru as well as the town areas.

“All those individuals comprising six men and a woman were nabbed for not having valid identification documents.

“They will be investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of Immigration Act 1959/63 (Amendment 2002),” he said, in a statement yesterday.

According to Hazani, the Police, Malaysian Armed Force, Immigration Department, National Registration Department, Road Transport Department (RTD), District Council and Welfare Department were also involved in the operation.

He said during the operation the RTD also issued a total of 14 summonses to road users for various offences including not having a driving licence and expired driving licence during roadblock at Jalan Pantai and Jalan Silam.

“ESSCom will continue to focus on such operation at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) in an effort to flush out illegal immigrants and combating smuggling activities,” he added.

Hazani also thanked all the security and enforcement agencies involved in the operation.

Teo (right) presenting a copy of the MoU to Hj Matali Samsudin (left), one of the participating farmers cum landowners, witnessed by Dr Daud (centre), Chua (right) and others, at the MoU signing ceremony held at the Bongawan Multipurpose Hall, on Thursday.