LAHAD DATU: A total of 925 people, believed to be illegal immigrants, were rounded-up in an operation, code-name ‘Ops Gasak 26’, which was coordinated by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) in Kampung Air Lahad Datu here today.
ESSCom Commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said those detained in the operation held between 2.30 am and 10am comprised 407 men, including 164 children, and 518 women, 187 of them children.
Most of them were detained for not having valid identification document or were in possession of dubious documents, he told reporters after the operation, which also involved demolition of squatter houses.
Also present were ESSCom Deputy Commander Brigadier General Subari Tomo, ESSCom Maritime Director First Admiral M Karunanithi, Lahad Datu District Police Chief ACP Hamzah Ahmad and Lahad Datu District Officer Datu Iman Ali.
Abdul Rashid said about 400 squatter houses in the water village would be demolished in the operation, the biggest to be held after the restructuring of ESSCom last July 15.
The operation involved various departments and security agencies, including the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Immigration Department, National Registration Department, Civil Defence Department and the Lahad Datu District Office.
On ‘Ops Gasak 26’, Abdul Rashid said it proved the government’s seriousness and commitment to clean ESSZone of illegal immigrants.
We will continue with this kind of operation from time to time in ESSZone (Eastern Sabah Security Zone,” he added.
He advised community leaders, especially at the grassroots level, to not collude or be in cahoots with illegal immigrants, as well as protect them.
“We will not compromise with any quarters, including village heads, should they be found colluding or protecting illegal immigrants,” he added. -Bernama