Malaysia rubbishes Sulu army ambush claims

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia dismissed as "baseless" claims that eight of its soldiers were killed in a recent ambush by Sulu gunmen in Lahad Datu.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) director general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said that the claims by a spokesman on behalf of the group led by self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III were without any basis and were part of propaganda attempts to spread fear amongst the people. 

"They have been making all sorts of claims to create disharmony and fear among the people. I urge the public not to believe such unfounded claims by these (Sulu) individuals who are using it as propaganda,’’ he said when contacted on Monday over reports appearing in several Philippines newspapers that Sulu gunmen killed eight soldiers.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib also denied the reports while confirming that there have no clashes between security forces and Sulu terrorists.

The news reports quoting group spokesman Abraham Idjirani said that the Sultan’s "soldiers" led by Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram (more known as Azzimuddie here) had informed him that eight members of the Malaysian forces were killed after they were ambushed by at least 50 members of the Sultan’s "Royal Security Force" group led by its officer Utuh Ubie in Felda area in Lahad Datu on Friday.

Idjirani claimed that he was informed by Agbimuddie about the shooting by telephone.

"There is no basis to such a claim. There were no incidents at all," said Mohammed, adding that security had been on high alert following rumours that the Sulu gunmen were planning a "second wave" of attacks during the Hari Raya.

"It has been a very peaceful Hari Raya, so there no reason for people to worry or panic," he said.

Mohammad said that public with any information or in need of any clarification about so called incidents can contact their Operational Room at 089 863181 in Lahad Datu.

"It is operational 24-7 and they can call anytime," he added.