SEMPORNA: The police here conducted a two-day joint operation in various locations of the district targeting illegal immigrants (PTI) from Jan 14 to Jan 15.
The operation led by deputy OCPD DSP Jaafar Hakim, involved 56 officers and personnel from various government agencies, including the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM), the National Registration Department (JPN), the Semporna District Council (MDS), and the Semporna District Office.
Semporna OCPD Superintendent Tan Hiap Wah on Friday stated that the operation was carried out in several villages and around Semporna town to curb the entry of illegal immigrants, which is feared could disrupt public peace and security.
“This operation also aims to reassure the community that the police are always striving to provide a safe environment for residents and tourists, both domestic and international, and to ensure Semporna remains a safe tourist destination,” he said.
Throughout the two-day operation, 354 individuals were inspected. Following document screening by JIM and JPN officials, 46 individuals were arrested for not possessing valid identification documents, while two others were arrested for drug possession.
Tan stressed that such joint operations would continue to safeguard the interests of the people and uphold the sovereignty of national law.
“The district police are committed to conducting integrated enforcement operations from time to time to ensure the safety and well-being of the local community,” he emphasized. -James Leong
Semporna law enforcement personnel check the documents of individuals during the operation.
