KOTA KINABALU: More than RM269,000 in seized items and compounds were recorded during a one-day integrated sea and land operation in the east coast Kunak district on Tuesday (Oct 27).
A total of 202 enforcement and security personnel from 19 agencies inspected business premises and workers for licences, documents, tax documents and permits for the sale of subsidised and controlled goods.
They also checked on fish bombing activities, arresting several people for drug and immigration offences.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Deputy Comm Datuk Victor Sanjos said from the total RM269,439.26 in compounds, seizures and penalties imposed, the largest involved labour-related offences accounting for RM170,000 in compounds.
He said contraband cigarettes worth almost RM31,000 including tax were seized.
The Sabah Ports and Harbours Department seized a boat and engines worth RM10,000, while Sabah Electricity confiscated cables worth about RM3,00.
The agencies involved included Esscom, the police, maritime authorities, Customs, the Armed Forces, Civil Defence Force, National Registration Department, Employees Provident Fund, Fisheries Department and the Kunak District Council, among others.
DCP Sanjos said the operation was conducted to ensure security and public safety in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) through prevention of smuggling, screening undocumented migrants, and other violations of the law.
It also increased the visible presence of security forces in the area while establishing connections and strengthening coordination for information-sharing amongst agencies and local communities, he added.
DCP Sanjos called on communities to continue supporting and cooperating with security forces as well as government agencies for the sovereignty of the nation.
Information on any suspicious activity or security-related matters can be channelled to the Esscom Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
