SANDAKAN: Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) strongly condemns the actions of a smuggled cigarette seller who is believed to have acted violently by assaulting an enforcement officer in an incident reported around the Batu 8 Market area in Sibuga Jaya.
“Such actions are extremely serious and clearly challenge the authority of the country’s laws. Attacking an enforcement officer who is carrying out his duties is a major offence and must not be taken lightly,” G57 Chairman Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar said.
He said the individual has tarnished the credibility of law enforcement in the nation, with the individual’s boldness giving off the impression that “the law is no longer feared”.
“This situation cannot be allowed to continue as it results in losses to national revenue and challenges the credibility of law enforcement.
“Firm and comprehensive action must be taken immediately to ensure that such incidents do not recur,” he stressed.
He added that this incident also shows smuggled cigarette activities in Sabah are becoming increasingly bold and widespread, even taking place openly in many areas as if it has become a normal occurrence.
“In this regard, the G57 urges the local authorities together with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to take firm and immediate action against the suspect involved.
Anyone who attacks enforcement officers must be brought to justice without compromise.
“Large-scale and continuous enforcement operations must be carried out to completely eradicate smuggled cigarette activities in Sabah,” he said.
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President and Sandakan Councillor, Chong Thien Ming, voiced full support for the firm stand taken by the President of Sandakan Municipal Council President Walter Kenson in adopting a zero-tolerance policy against illegal cigarette vendors.
“Such behaviour is nothing short of gangsterism. If these individuals are allowed to intimidate enforcement officers today, tomorrow they may threaten the wider community,” he said.
He said some of the individuals involved are believed operating without valid documents.
Chong said Mile 8 market area is a busy commercial hub located about eight miles from Sandakan town centre, with hundreds of shoplots and a school situated nearby.
The area also serves as a key stopover for travellers heading to surrounding estates and villages, while nearby industrial areas house numerous workshops and factories.
“With such a large flow of people passing through the area every day, the safety and security of the public must remain our top priority,” he said.
He also called on enforcement agencies to launch a comprehensive integrated operation throughout Sandakan to clamp down on all forms of illegal vending activities.
