No quick fix for illegal immigrants in Sabah

Coastguard admiral says one to two years not enough for security command to resolve problem.

LAHAD DATU: The decades-old problem of the presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone, is “too complex” to be resolved immediately, said coastguard officer First Admiral M. Karunanithi.

He said said one to two years would not be enough. “It requires thorough planning and the participation of all parties concerned. The presence of a large number of illegals is a big threat to Sabah as some of them have been in cahoots with cross-border criminals, especially in kidnapping cases.”

He said the Eastern Sabah Security Command had the task of steering the operations to hunt down illegal migrants in the security zone.

“However, it’s not easy to get rid of kidnapping as long as there are enemies within…so the problem of illegals must be resolved jointly.”

Karunanithi said this at a dialogue session with the Lahad Datu fishing community at the District Office, here.

Karunanithi said smuggling was mainly committed by illegals while those behind it were local people, especially those involved in selling of cigarettes and subsidised diesel and gas.

“When the integrated operations were launched early this year, it was discovered that there were people, including traders, who had hired illegals for smuggling activities.

“We have only one law which applies to all, including the locals, smugglers and illegals.

“If the law prohibits you from smuggling and hiring undocumented foreign migrants or illegals, you should obey the law. Don’t be angry with ESSCom, let ESSCom do its job, and show your love for the country,” he said at the dialogue.

Karunanithi hoped that all quarters, including political party leaders would fully cooperate with ESSCom and not question the conducting of the integrated operations which were aimed at ridding Sabah of illegals and smuggling and kidnapping activities, especially in the ESSZone.

- BERNAMA