SANDAKAN: July 31, 2026 – A two-day integrated operation coordinated by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in Sandakan has uncovered multiple illegal activities, with total enforcement action – including seizures, compounds and estimated losses – amounting to RM433,077.
A total of 25 undocumented migrants were detained during inspections along Jalan Istana, Kampung Tabah Baru, Kampung Karamunting and Sandakan town centre. The group comprised 21 Filipino nationals and four Indonesian nationals, who were subsequently handed over to the Immigration Department for further action after failing to produce valid documents.
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department seized contraband cigarettes worth RM20,000. Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd confiscated 300kg of illegal electrical cables valued at RM15,000, with estimated annual revenue losses of RM300,000 attributed to electricity theft.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living seized 1,105kg of subsidised cooking oil (worth RM2,762) along with a vehicle valued at RM20,049, bringing the total seizure value to RM22,811. The Sandakan Municipal Council confiscated unlicensed goods worth RM6,500 and issued a compound of RM300.
Police arrested two men and seized 0.07g of suspected syabu (methamphetamine), with investigations being conducted under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. The Labour Department issued 20 compounds and nine notices under the Sabah Labour Ordinance, and ordered payment of RM116 in minimum wage arrears – bringing the total enforcement value from the department to RM60,116. The Sabah State Water Department issued two compounds totalling RM600 for illegal water connections. The Sabah Wildlife Department seized 1,550 turtle eggs valued at RM7,750, preventing their entry into the black market.
ESSCOM Commander DCP Datuk Victor B. Sanjos said the high detection rate proved that the integrated intelligence-based approach was effective.
“This operation is not just about curbing illegal immigrants, but also detecting legal violations that affect security, the economy, government revenue and community well-being in the ESS Zone,” he said.
He noted that threats in the ESS Zone encompass cross-border crime, smuggling, subsidy abuse, illegal utility connections, labour violations and natural resource exploitation – all of which have a direct impact on government revenue, employment opportunities for locals and community safety.
He explained that the operation was part of the MADANI government’s efforts through Ops SANGGAH ESSCOM to strengthen security in collaboration with the police, the armed forces and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, while also assisting federal and state departments and local authorities in law enforcement.
Mr Victor stressed that ESSCOM would continue to intensify integrated intelligence-based operations and strategic cooperation. In line with the “No Day Without Operation” directive, integrated actions would be strengthened to combat cross-border crime and ensure the ESS Zone remains safe and conducive for public well-being and the state’s economic development.
The operation involved 263 officers and personnel from ESSCOM, the Royal Malaysia Police, the General Operations Force, the armed forces, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the Immigration Department, the Customs Department, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the Labour Department, Sabah Electricity, the State Water Department, the Sabah Wildlife Department, the Sandakan Municipal Council, the National Registration Department and the Civil Defence Force.
Members of the public with information about suspicious activities in the ESS Zone may contact the ESSCOM Operations Centre at 089-863181 or via WhatsApp at 011-63311072.
Source: Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM)
