LAHAD DATU: A total of 64 illegal immigrants comprising Indonesian and Filipino were detained during a two-day integrated operation coordinated by Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) in Lahad Datu.
Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos said the operation which concluded on Thursday also uncovered various offences involving employment, immigration, business licensing, traffic, utility services, customs and others.
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He said the operation resulted in about RM623,450 in compounds and seizures with 71 notices and compounds were issued, as well as two prosecution cases initiated by various enforcement departments and agencies.
“The operation carried out as Esscom’s continuous efforts in ensuring the compliance to the laws and regulations in ESS Zone, combating illegal immigrants and unlawful economic activities, as well as to strengthen public safety and order.
“The operation also focused on the enforcement aspect towards the immigration, employment, business licensing, traffic regulations, utilities and customs offences while at the same time, safeguarding employment opportunities for local citizens, ensuring fair business competition, and preventing revenue leakage resulting from activities carried out in breach of existing laws and regulations,” he said, in a statement on Thursday.
According to Victor, Esscom will not compromise against any party attempting to violate the laws that could undermine the security, economy and well-being of communities within the ESS Zone.
He said the operation was accompanied by 262 personnel from Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and some state and federal departments and agencies as well as local authorities.
During the operation, sudden inspections were carried out on business premises in Lahad Datu town areas including squatter settlements, suburban areas and villages.
Victor revealed that a total of 247 individuals were inspected by the Immigration Department, resulting in the arrests of 64 illegal immigrants who failed to produce valid travel documents.
All those detained were handed over to the Lahad Datu Immigration Department for further action under Section 15(1)(c) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
During the operation, the Labour Department issued 11 compounds and initiated two prosecution cases under the Employment Act 1955 involving non-compliance with employment and workers’ welfare requirements. All the actions involved enforcement value of RM133,000.
The Road Transport Department issued 10 summonses, nine enforcement notices and three compounds for various road traffic offences while the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division issued 32 summonses under the Road Transport Act 1987.
The Lahad Datu District Council issued a RM500 compound under the Uniform (Anti-Litter) By-Laws 2010, for offences related to cleanliness and the waste disposal regulations. The council also seized various unlicensed goods worth RM1,150.
The Royal Malaysian Custom Department seized smuggle cigarettes and unlicensed beverages worth about RM30,000 under the Customs Act 1967 while the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living issued a compound of RM300 for an offence under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
According to Victor, Sabah Electricity also seized 150 kilograms of illegal connection cables and 23 water pumps found to be using electricity through unauthorised connections, with the total value of the seized items estimated at RM14,800.00.
Sabah Electricity estimated annual revenue losses as a result from the illegal connections at about RM429,600 and noted that such activities not only cause significant losses but pose safety risks to the local residents.
“The success of this operation proved that an integrated enforcement approach combining security, law enforcement and regulatory elements is effective in detecting various forms of non-compliance that may adversely affect public safety, economic stability and the well-being of the community.
“The operation also reflected Esscom’s commitment in ensuring that the ESS Zone remains free from unlawful activities and Esscom will continue to strengthen this integrated approach to ensure that the ESS Zone remains safe, orderly and conducive to development and investment,” he said.
Victor also expressed appreciation to all the personnel involved in the operation, as well as to the various departments and agencies that provided full cooperation and support which led to the success of the operation.
Esscom will further intensify the operation to curb cross-border criminal elements and ensure that public safety and order in eastern Sabah remain secure and under control.
Members of the public are urged to channel any information related to security incidents within the ESS Zone to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
