SEMPORNA: A major two-day integrated operation to safeguard the local tourism industry concluded in Semporna on Tuesday, resulting in the detention of 20 foreigners and the seizure of contraband valued at nearly half a million Ringgit.
Led by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), the sweep from March 10 to 11 mobilised 231 personnel from various federal and state agencies. Teams conducted inspections at 41 resorts and business premises across Semporna town, its coastal waters, and surrounding squatter areas, targeting illegal resorts and unlicensed business activities.
ESSCOM Commander DCP Datuk Victor B. Sanjos disclosed that 20 foreign nationals from the Philippines and China were detained for immigration offences, primarily for overstaying their visas.
Beyond the arrests, authorities seized a significant quantity of contraband and illicit goods. This included smuggled liquor valued at RM20,153.76, as well as three bags of turtle meat and 111 bags of wild boar meat. The total estimated value of all seizures amounted to RM491,413.76.
Furthermore, multiple compound notices were issued to business operators for a range of violations, including operating without a license, labour infractions under the Employment Act 1955, and non-compliance with the Companies Act 2016.
In a separate incident, a 14-year-old boy was charged in the Court for Children in Sandakan on Thursday with voluntarily causing hurt to a Sandakan Municipal Council enforcement officer.
The charge, under Section 332 of the Penal Code, alleges the boy assaulted the officer to prevent him from carrying out his duties at the Mile 8 Market area on March 6.
No plea was recorded during the proceedings before Magistrate Nur Faezah Jafry. The court has fixed April 24 for further mention to allow for the completion of a report on the victim’s injuries and a social background report on the boy from the Welfare Department. Deputy Public Prosecutor Ong Teik Yi appeared for the prosecution.
Meanwhile, a wooden house in Kampung Muanad 3, Beluran, was completely destroyed in a fire on Thursday morning.
According to reports, the Beluran Fire and Rescue Station received an emergency call at 9.53 am. A fire engine arrived at the scene, located approximately eight kilometres from the station, at 10.03 am.
A total of eight personnel were deployed to the location, with Operations Commander PBK II Ab Azman Asiman leading the team.
Firefighting operations commenced immediately. The 20×35 square foot house was reported to be 100% engulfed in flames. The team worked to control the blaze using one 200-foot hose line, drawing water from the fire engine and a nearby fish pond.
The situation was successfully brought under control by 10.18 am, with operations concluding at 10.45 am. No casualties were reported in the incident. Firefighters ensured the area was safe before concluding the operation. – James Leong
Beluran firefighters battling the blaze at Kampung Muanad 3 on Thursday.
