PULAU BANGGI, KUDAT: Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek has ordered an immediate stop to rumours of more Sulu terrorist attacks on Sabah.
He said those who continue to spread such rumours would face legal action.
“We regret that lately certain people have deliberately spread rumours through the Internet, letters and telephone calls to frighten the people,” he said at an Aidiladha sacrificial ritual at Kg Karakit Mosque near here yesterday.
Also present were Banggi assemblyman Datuk Abdul Mijul Unaini and Esscom defence division director Maj Gen Datuk Abdul Halim Jalal.
Mohammad advised the people not to believe rumours spread by irresponsible parties which brought about undue fear and worry among the residents.
“Please refer such rumours to the police station or Esscom for verification,” he said.
Mohammad also invited island residents, especially in Pulau Banggi, to be the eyes and ears of the government in channelling information which could threaten national security and sovereignty.
In making the call, Mohammad said the measure was important to ensure quick action was taken to repel terrorists.
Mohammad said the Sulu terrorist attack in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu in early March should be a lesson as the situation now was no longer like before.
“Attacks can take place at any time if we are complacent about defending the country’s sovereignty and security,” he said.
Mohammad said this was because the state, including Pulau Banggi, was only a few nautical miles from neighbouring countries.
He said the long coastline of Sabah of over 1,773 kilometres from Kudat to Tawau and some 486 islands in the waters of the state encouraged illegal immigration.
“As such, if we do not want to be encroached, we need the close and continuous cooperation of the people,” he said, adding that the islanders knew
in advance of outsiders attempting to come in. —Bernama