KOTA KINABALU: More allocations need to be given to upgrade security assets in Sabah as newer tactics are being used to smuggle illegal immigrants into the state, an anti-crime activist claims.
Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto, advisor of the Sabah Drugs and Crime Prevention Organisation said he was informed that smugglers are coming up with more cunning tactics to evade authorities.
“From information gathered, smugglers would work with public transport operators to sneak illegal immigrants using express buses,” he said in a statement.
He said among the modus operandi used is to let the illegal immigrants disembark before check points and hide them in modified compartments underneath the bus, to pass inspection.
After passing through checkpoints and reaching “safer” routes, these hidden illegal immigrants will then be allowed to reenter the bus and sit comfortably, Zaki alleged.
He believes bus drivers and conductors would work with these illegal immigrants or their agents for a hefty payment.
“Just imagine how many of them slip into the state even if one bus carried two or three of them each day,” he asked.
Thus, it was vital for more focus to be placed for the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and upgrade assets at strategic locations like road checkpoints (RCP) at Sapi Nangoh and Kalabakan, said Zaki.
“These two RCPs are among the main routes for thousands of vehicles everyday,” he said, adding that the RM21.2bil budget for 2026 meant for the Home Ministry can be used for this.
Other than assets and facilities, agencies under the ministry including the police, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Esscom must be upgraded and strengthened, he said.
With evolving technology and techniques, it was important that the security force be equipped with updated screening and detection systems, coupled with more training for the workforce, he added.
He said these approaches are also useful for detection of illegal substances and contrabands.
