TAWAU: Police in Tawau seized 11 motorcycles and arrested a 23‑year‑old local man for drunk driving during a joint operation on the night of July 18, while separate operations in Lahad Datu from July 15‑17 resulted in the arrest of six suspects linked to a series of property crimes.
In Tawau, the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Branch of the district police headquarters conducted “Op Samseng Jalanan” and “Op Mabuk” simultaneously at three locations – Jalan Apas, Jalan Chong Thien Vun and Jalan Kabota – from 10.00 pm. to 2.00 am. A total of 55 individuals and 52 vehicles were inspected.
Acting OCPD Superintendent Wilynton Enchana Watt said 24 summonses were issued for various offences, including driving without a licence, illegal exhaust and structural modifications, non‑standard registration plates, underage driving, and technical defects such as faulty rear‑view mirrors and brakes. The 11 motorcycles were seized under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
During the drunk‑driving operation, a 23‑year‑old local man tested positive for alcohol in a preliminary breath test using a Screening Device 2 Plus (SD2+). He was taken to the traffic office for confirmation with an Evidential Breath Analyzer (EBA II), which recorded a reading above the legal limit. He is being held under Section 45A of the Road Transport Act 1987, and his motorcycle was impounded for further investigation.
Supt Wilynton warned that similar operations would be intensified at different locations and times, stressing that police will not compromise with anyone who flouts traffic laws, especially those endangering other road users.
“Do not turn the roads into racing circuits or stages to show off. The thrill lasts only moments but can result in loss of life, serious injuries and legal action that will affect your future,” he said.
He also reminded the public not to assume they can evade action just because they were not caught during an operation. Police are now using footage from mobile phones, dashcams and CCTV that goes viral on social media to identify offenders. “Every video, image or information received will be reviewed and investigated. If sufficient evidence exists, police can identify the individuals and vehicles involved, and firm action will be taken even if the offence is detected after the operation has ended,” he added.
In Lahad Datu, the district police’s Criminal Investigation Department arrested six adult males and three teenage boys in a series of operations from July 15‑17, solving several house‑breaking, theft and motorcycle‑theft cases.
On July 15, police arrested a 53‑year‑old local man and a 32‑year‑old foreign national suspected of multiple house‑breakings and thefts in Taman Aman, Taman Aman Jaya 3, Taman Gembira, Taman Harapan and Kampung Sharip. Following these arrests, on July 17, a 26‑year‑old local suspect was detained in connection with similar offences at Taman Perumahan Palm Height; a Perodua Axia used in the crimes was also seized.
In separate operations, police nabbed two boys aged 15 and 16 for possessing a modified motorcycle without reasonable explanation, and a 17‑year‑old with a Yamaha C100 motorcycle reported missing on July 16.
All suspects have been remanded for investigation under various laws, including Section 457 (house‑breaking), Section 379 (theft), Section 379A (motorcycle theft) of the Penal Code, and Section 22A(1) of the Sabah Minor Offences Ordinance for possessing a motorcycle without reasonable explanation. – James Leong
Some of the motorcycles confiscated by Tawau Police during the integrated operation.
