SEMPORNA: Police in Eastern Sabah arrested three men, each involved in separate cases: the unlicensed sale of firecrackers, possessing syabu and causing injury of a colleague at the workplace.
In the first operation in Semporna policemen arrested a 27-year-old foreigner for selling firecrackers and fireworks without a license. They also confiscated various types of prohibited firecrackers and fireworks valued at RM313.
Semporna OCPD Superintendent Tan Hiap Wah, stated that the suspect would be investigated and charged under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.
He mentioned that while his office had only issued eight licenses from 11 applications received in the Semporna district for the Aidilfitri celebration, there were still irresponsible parties attempting to take advantage. In light of this, Tan reminded the public not to set off firecrackers indiscriminately in public places, especially in crowded tourist locations.
“Firm action can be taken under Section 268 of the Penal Code for committing a public nuisance, as well as Section 286 of the Penal Code for negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances endangering life,” he emphasised.
Tan added that Patrol Car Units (MPV) and Motorcycle Patrol Units (URB) have been directed to monitor identified locations, and he also urged parents to supervise their children’s activities to prevent injuries or fires.
Meanwhile, Semporna police nabbed a foreigner and confiscated nearly 5.02 grams of suspected syabu valued about RM550 during a raid in Kampung Panji.
The 34-year-old suspect, who was found without any identification documents, is being investigated under Section 39A(1) of the ADB 1952. If convicted, he faces a minimum of two years’ imprisonment and three strokes of the cane.
“We will intensify enforcement operations to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the district, crediting the successful arrest to efficient fieldwork and community information,” Superintendent Tan stated.
In a separate development, a 21-year-old man was arrested in Tawau for allegedly injuring his co-worker with a fish-cutting knife. The incident occurred at a restaurant in Kubota Sentral on March 16, believed to have been triggered by the victim’s remark about undercooked rice.
Tawau OCPD ACP Jasmin Hussin, reported that the suspect, who also worked at the same restaurant, acted uncontrollably and slashed the victim’s left hand. The victim has received treatment at Tawau General Hospital.
“Our investigation led us to track down and arrest the suspect near the roadside of Jalan Habib Hussein. Also seized as evidence included a 33cm knife and a piece of white plastic believed to be connected to the incident,” he stated.
The case is being probed under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means. The suspect and the seized items were brought to the police station for further action. – James Leong
The suspect (centre), is taken into custody by Tawau Police for allegedly causing hurt to his colleague.
