LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) nabbed 12 individuals, including five children, believed to be illegal immigrants entering the state through Pantai Tanjung Labian on Saturday.
ESSCom commander DCP Dato’ Wan Abd Bari Wan Abd Khalid said a team of security forces, acting on a public tip-off, was sent to the areas about 12.15am for inspection.
He said the result of the inspection found a Mitsubishi Triton four-wheel-drive and Proton Iswara vehicle at the scene.
“Inspection on the vehicles found 11 illegal immigrants, including children, aged between one and 52 years old hiding inside the vehicles.
“All those detained were Filipinos who just arrived from the neighbouring country,” he said.
According to Wan, the boat used to transport the illegals fled the scene upon realising the presence of the security forces.
He said the team also detained four locals and an Indonesian, who were suspected to be the agents who arranged the illegal immigration for further investigation.
“They were detained under the Immigration Act 1959/1963 (Amendment 2002) and Immigration Rules 1963, were handed over to the Immigration Department for further action.
“ESSCom will further strengthen operations to curb and address illegal entry into this state through our waters,” Wan said.