A total of 64 illegal immigrants were detained during a two-day integrated enforcement operation led by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in Lahad Datu, as authorities intensified efforts to combat immigration and economic offences in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone).
ESSCOM Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos said the operation, which concluded on Thursday, involved large-scale inspections targeting illegal immigrants, unlicensed businesses, labour violations, smuggling activities and utility-related offences.
The operation also uncovered multiple breaches involving immigration laws, employment regulations, business licensing requirements, traffic offences, customs violations and illegal utility connections.
According to Victor, the enforcement exercise resulted in compounds, notices and seizures amounting to approximately RM623,450.
A total of 71 notices and compounds were issued, while two prosecution cases were initiated by various enforcement agencies.
“The operation forms part of ESSCOM’s ongoing commitment to ensuring compliance with laws and regulations in the ESS Zone, combating illegal immigration and unlawful economic activities, while strengthening public safety and order,” he said in a statement.
The operation involved 262 personnel from several agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and various federal, state and local government authorities.
Authorities carried out surprise inspections at business premises, squatter settlements, villages and suburban areas around Lahad Datu.
During the operation, Immigration Department officers screened 247 individuals and detained 64 Indonesian and Filipino nationals who failed to produce valid travel documents.
All detainees were handed over to the Lahad Datu Immigration Department for further action under Sections 15(1)(c) and 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Meanwhile, the Labour Department issued 11 compounds and initiated two prosecution cases under the Employment Act 1955 for non-compliance involving workers’ welfare and employment requirements. The enforcement actions carried a total value of RM133,000.
Road Transport Department officers issued 10 summonses, nine enforcement notices and three compounds for various traffic offences, while the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division handed out an additional 32 summonses under the Road Transport Act 1987.
The Lahad Datu District Council also issued a RM500 compound for cleanliness and waste disposal violations under the Uniform (Anti-Litter) By-Laws 2010 and seized unlicensed goods worth RM1,150.
Customs officers seized smuggled cigarettes and unlicensed alcoholic beverages worth approximately RM30,000 under the Customs Act 1967, while the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living imposed a RM300 compound under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
In addition, Sabah Electricity confiscated 150 kilograms of illegal connection cables and 23 water pumps found to be drawing power through unauthorised connections.
The seized items were estimated to be worth RM14,800, while annual revenue losses caused by illegal electricity connections were estimated at RM429,600.
Victor noted that such activities not only result in substantial financial losses but also pose significant safety risks to nearby communities.
“The success of this operation demonstrates that an integrated enforcement approach combining security, regulatory and law enforcement elements is highly effective in detecting various forms of non-compliance that can threaten public safety, economic stability and community well-being,” he said.
He added that ESSCOM will continue strengthening joint operations to ensure the ESS Zone remains safe, orderly and conducive to economic development and investment.
Victor also thanked all participating personnel and agencies for their cooperation and reaffirmed ESSCOM’s commitment to intensifying efforts against cross-border crime and illegal activities in eastern Sabah.
