LAHAD DATU – Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) has strengthened its commitment to safeguarding the East Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone) by detaining nine individuals during an integrated security operation early this morning.
ESSCOM Commander CP Datuk Victor Sanjos said the arrests were proof that security forces remain firm against any attempt to disrupt peace and order along the eastern coast of Sabah.
“This operation shows that the people are always protected. At the same time, it serves as a strong warning to anyone attempting to disturb peace in the ESS Zone. They are always being monitored and will not escape legal action,” he said in a media statement today.
The large-scale operation, which started from 1.30am until 7am, covered areas from Kampung Tanjung Labian to Kampung Tanjung Batu. A total of 83 houses were inspected, involving 463 individuals, with nine detained for offences under the Immigration Act.
Datuk Victor explained that all nine were handed over to the Sabah Immigration Department (JIM) for further action.
The operation involved 151 officers and personnel from multiple enforcement and security agencies. These included the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) through the Joint Task Force Headquarters 2 (MK ATB 2), the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) Lahad Datu, the Royal Malaysian Police, the 17th Battalion General Operations Force (PGA) Lahad Datu, the Air Operations Force (PGU) of Sabah IPK, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), JIM, the National Registration Department (JPN), the Lahad Datu District Council (MDLD) and the FELDA Auxiliary Police.
He also expressed appreciation to all agencies, particularly the ATM, with ATB2 Commander Brigadier General Abdul Munir Haji Abdul Rani personally present throughout the operation.
According to him, ESSCOM will continue to carry out such operations from time to time across the ESS Zone to ensure public safety remains a top priority.
“I call on the community to be the eyes, ears and tongue on the ground by reporting any suspicious activity directly to the ESSCOM Operations Centre at 089-863181 or through WhatsApp at 011-63311072,” he added.