SEMPORNA: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) coordinated an integrated operation here from April 1 to April 2, resulting in enforcement actions, compounds, and seizures valued at an estimated RM680,250.
A total of 28 illegal immigrants (PATI) were also detained.
The joint operation involved 269 officers and personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), and various federal and state agencies. Surprise inspections were conducted on 40 resorts and business premises across Semporna town, its waters, squatter colonies, suburban areas, and villages.
A total of 165 notices and compounds were issued by multiple enforcement departments, including, Immigration Department – 28 PATI detained under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Sections 15(1)(c) and 6(1)(c)) for failing to produce valid travel documents.
Labour Department: 32 compounds issued under the Employment Act 1955 for employer violations related to employment terms and worker welfare.
Semporna District Council: 33 compounds for offences including operating without a license, failing to comply with premises licensing conditions, and health violations.
Fire and Rescue Department: 49 violation notices for failing to provide fire safety facilities such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency lights, and manual fire alarms.
Companies Commission: 9 compounds under the Companies Act 2016.
Social Security Organisation: 18 compounds issued to employers for failing to register workers under relevant social security laws.
Royal Malaysia Customs Department: Seizure of untaxed liquor worth RM11,642.19.
Sabah Wildlife Department: Seizure of various wildlife products, including wild boar meat, turtles, and magpies, valued at RM1,300.
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living: 7 compounds related to supply control and consumer protection regulations.
Sabah Fisheries Department: Action taken against illegal fishing activities, including the seizure of fish spears.
ESSCOM Commander, DCP Datuk Victor B Sanjos, stated that this operation is part of the Madani government’s ongoing efforts under Op Sanggah ESSCOM to curb cross-border crime and ensure compliance with the law within the ESSZone.
He also urged the public to channel any information regarding security incidents in the ESSZone to the ESSCOM Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072. – James Leong
Some of the illegal immigrants nabbed during the integrated operation in Semporna.
