SEMPORNA: Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) president Datuk Seri Panglima Gan Sau Wah was disappointed at the media for sensationalising the report on the warning shot fired by security personnel in the waters off Semporna.
Gan, who is also Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) president, said the security personnel noticed three suspicious individuals on a speedboat around 6.30pm, close to the start of the curfew time. Hence, the security personnel fired a warning shot into the sky and pursued them.
But there was no exchange of gunfire as reported in the media, he said in a press statement issued yesterday.
“Based on my understanding, there was no exchange of gunfire in the whole incident. Regrettably, media reports have depicted the incident as more serious than what it really was.
“This not only raised anxiety among the people, but also put on much more stress on the people’s livelihood in Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna,” he said.
Gan added that businesses in the three districts were equally affected as such news would discourage tourists and investors from coming to Sabah. Gan disclosed that many of his overseas friends contacted him when the news was out, some investors have also ‘run away in fear’.
“Hence, I hope that the media will be cautious in reporting highly sensitive topics. Playing up these kinds of negative topics benefits no one, instead, it will cause major damage to the people and business community.
“The media should be more responsible and cooperate with the government, as well as refrain from reporting issues that can bring negative impact.”
He also hoped that leaders of the enforcement agencies, including The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), would be cautious about their press statements to avoid serious consequences they might bring to the people.
“I think that the security enforcement agencies should practise restraint, and avoid mentioning ‘small matters’ if possible to prevent the incidences from being sensationalised.”
SUCCC recently set up an East Coast Security Committee headed by Lahad Datu Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Mok Teng Sang in light of the recent spate of kidnappings in the east coast.
The committee will work with the government and security agencies to ensure the safety of Chinese businessmen and tourists in the The East Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE), as well as to provide input to the government on issues relating to security.