SEMPORNA: Twenty-eight illegal immigrants were detained while 165 notices and compounds were issued following an integrated operation coordinated by Esscom, on Wednesday and Thursday.
Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos in a statement said the two-day operation was part of continuous efforts to ensure tourism premises comply with licensing requirements and supporting the security as well as reputation of the tourism sector in Semporna.
The operation which involved 269 officers and personnel from various agencies also focused on enforcement involving immigration, business operations, employment, customs compliance and offences related to protected wildlife.
Victor said surprise inspections were carried out at 40 resorts and business premises, on the waters, settlements and villages around the district.
“The operation resulted in compounds, notices and seizures amounting to RM680,250. A total of 38 individuals were screened by the Immigration Department, with 28 found undocumented. They were handed over to the Immigration Department for further action under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“During the operation, the Labor Department issued 32 compounds under the Employment Act 1955 involving non-compliance with employment conditions and employee welfare provisions,” he said.
According to Victor, the Companies Commissions of Malaysia (SSM) issued nine compounds while the Semporna District Council issued 33 compounds for various offences.
The Fire and Rescue Department issued 49 notices under the Fire Services Act 1988 involving premises lacking required fire safety facilities such as fire hydrants, smoke detectors, alarms, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers.
The operation also resulted in seizures of alcohol without licence by Customs worth RM11,642.19 including tax while the Wildlife Department seized wildlife products including wild boar meat, turtles and Hill Mynah birds worth RM1,300. The Sabah Fisheries Department also seized fishing equipment during the operation.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) issued seven compounds under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and Consumer Protection Act 1999 while the Social Security Organisation issued 18 compounds against employers who failed to register their employees.
The operation, he said, was conducted under the Operasi Sanggah as part of ongoing initiatives by Kerajaan Madani to strengthen security and enforcement efforts in Esszone.
In line with Esscom’s motto of “No Day Without Operations”, it would continue to intensify integrated operations to curb any cross-border criminal elements and ensure that public safety and order in East Sabah remain safe and under control.
The public is urged to channel information regarding any security incidents in the Esszone to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
