By JAMES LEONG
LAHAD DATU: A total of 64 undocumented immigrants from the Philippines and Indonesia were detained, while utility losses amounting to RM623,450 were uncovered during a two-day integrated operation coordinated by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) here on June 16–17.
The operation, which involved 262 personnel from multiple enforcement agencies, also resulted in 71 notices and compounds, along with two prosecution cases covering offences related to immigration, employment, business licensing, traffic, utilities, and customs.
The large-scale operation, carried out in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), and various federal, state, and local agencies, conducted spot checks on business premises, squatter colonies, suburban areas, and villages around Lahad Datu.
ESSCOM Commander, DCP Datuk Victor B Sanjos, emphasised that the operation reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to upholding the rule of law in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone).
The Immigration Department screened 247 individuals, of whom 64 were identified as illegal immigrants for failing to produce valid travel documents. They were handed over to the Lahad Datu Immigration Office for further action under Section 15(1)(c) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
“This operation is part of ESSCOM’s continuous efforts to ensure compliance with laws and regulations in the ESS Zone, while also curbing the presence of illegal immigrants, suppressing illegal economic activities, and strengthening public safety and order,” said Victor.
In labour enforcement, the Labour Department issued 11 compounds and initiated two prosecution cases under the Employment Act 1955 for employers failing to comply with employment and welfare provisions, amounting to RM133,000 in enforcement value.
Meanwhile, the Road Transport Department issued 10 summonses, nine enforcement notices, and three compounds, while the Lahad Datu District Police Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division issued 32 summonses under the same Act. The Lahad Datu District Council issued a RM500 compound for littering offences and seized unlicensed goods worth RM1,150.
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department confiscated unlicensed liquor and contraband cigarettes valued at RM30,000 under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967, while the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living issued a RM300 compound for an offence under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011. The National Registration Department and the Sabah State Water Department also participated but detected no major offences.
One of the biggest losses came from Sabah Electricity Sdn. Bhd. (SESB), which seized 150kg of illegal cable connections and 23 water pumps worth RM14,800. SESB estimated annual revenue losses from these illegal connections at RM429,600—bringing the total utility-related losses to RM623,450.
Victor warned that such illegal connections not only cause public utility losses but also pose fire hazards and threaten local residents’ safety.
“The success of this operation proves that an integrated enforcement approach combining security, law enforcement, and regulatory elements can effectively detect various violations impacting safety, the economy, and community well-being,” he added.
Victor expressed appreciation to all participating agencies for their close cooperation, which reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening law enforcement in the ESSZone. Members of the public are urged to channel any security-related information to the ESSCOM Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
Undocumented immigrants rounded up during the ESSCOM-coordinated operation in Lahad Datu.
