TAWAU: A total of 37 individuals have been apprehended for different violations during the Integrated Operation at the Kalabakan Land Checkpoint (RCP) that took place over a span of two days starting on May 3.
The Commander of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), Datuk Victor Sanjos, emphasised that this operation was a collaborative effort involving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), and various other agencies.
The primary objective of the Integrated Operation was to combat the smuggling of controlled, subsidised, and untaxed goods, as well as to prevent the infiltration of unauthorised foreign immigrants (PATI).
“Our focus is on enforcing the law, particularly at the main entry and exit points for both foreign nationals and local residents residing in the border areas between Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Throughout the operation, a total of 400 vehicles and 832 individuals were subjected to inspection by the authorities,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Victor said that during the operation, 26 individuals were detained for offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and were subsequently handed over to the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM), Tawau, for further investigation.
“The Tawau District Police Headquarters (IPD) also apprehended 10 individuals for offences under Section 12(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act and seized drugs weighing 5.22 grammes.
“The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) detained one suspect and confiscated 1,750 litres of diesel fuel and a four-wheeled vehicle for offences under the Control of Supplies Act 1961,” he said.
He further added that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued 17 summonses and eight notices for various offences under the Road Transport Act 1987.
“The success of this operation is a testament to the government’s ongoing efforts through ESSCOM Operation Sanggah to strengthen existing operations.
“This Integrated Operation will continue to be intensified, particularly in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZONE), in order to combat cross-border criminal activities,” Victor added.
