KOTA KINABALU: Illegal immigrants and untaxed cigarettes were nabbed and seized, while stolen water and electricity connections were cut during raids in several squatter colonies in Sandakan recently.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos said these raids were conducted on Oct 22 and Oct 23, involving a total of 523 squatter houses and premises in four colonies and in Sandakan town.
"From this raid, we inspected a total of 876 people, out of which 17 were nabbed for not possessing any documents while smuggled cigarettes worth around RM161,882 were confiscated," he said in a statement on Saturday (Aug 24).
He said the arrested people would be referred to the Immigration Department for further action and deportation.
Illegal water and power connections were cut off during these raids, said DCP Sanjos.
He said the operation involving a total of 202 personnel was conducted with the police, armed forces, maritime, as well as state and federal agencies for the safety of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).
"It is also to curb the presence of illegal immigrants in squatter colonies which could jeopardise public security," he said.
DCP Sanjos said the success in these raids is part of the continued government efforts through Ops Sanggah Esscom to enforce laws and protect the sovereignty of the state, especially on the east coast.
He said Esscom will continue conducting integrated operations in Esszone areas to curb incidents such as cross-border crimes and other safety-threatening matters.
"The public are urged to work with security forces in our efforts to curb crime at the Esszone by providing related information to Esscom at 089-863 181 or via WhatsApp at 011-6331 1072."
