SEMPORNA: Five Filipino men were arrested by the Semporna Marine Police for allegedly working as dive guides in Sabah without valid work permits.
The arrests were made at about 10.00 am on October 17 during an inspection of tourist boats in the waters off Laut Singamata. The operation was conducted jointly by the Marine Police, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department (JPDS).
During the inspection, authorities found that the five men were allegedly using questionable documents and did not possess the necessary permits to work as dive guides in Sabah.
They were subsequently detained to assist in investigations under the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Amendment 2002).
Meanwhile, 16 wooden houses were completely destroyed in a fire at Mile 2 Jalan Apas, Lorong Mat Salleh, Tawau, on the night of October 16.
The Tawau Fire and Rescue Station received an emergency call at 9.31 pm and arrived at the scene three minutes later.
The fire was brought under control at 11.55 pm, while firefighting operations concluded at 3.25 am on October 17.
A total of 45 firefighters from the Tawau and Kunak Stations, together with members of the Titingan Community Fire Team, were involved in the operation. Other relevant agencies also provided support. No casualties were reported in the incident. – James Leong
An aerial view of Friday night’s fire in Tawau.
