50 Millah Abraham followers identified in Sabah - Police

A total of 50 people, including several family members, were identified as followers of the deviant Millah Abraham group in Sabah, said state Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Awang Sahari Em Hadzeer.

He said based on the information received, those involved comprised professionals, youths and teenagers.

"The group had their own village in Tuaran, Sandakan, Tawau and some of them are in the area of Kota Kinabalu.

"Sabah Police are observing and studying the group and will work with JAWI (Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department) which started the investigations and will take comprehensive steps (against the deviant group).

"The group originated from Peninsular Malaysia but some Sabahans are involved," he told reporters after attending the 209th Police Day here today.

Awang said the group was being investigated for carrying out practices or activities which were against Islam.

Asked about the land in Tuaran which had allegedly been bought by the group, Awang said this was still being investigated.

Commenting on the appointment of a Sulu warrior in every Sabah state assembly, Awang said the police were still investigating the matter, and would give full attention to it, including taking comprehensive action. "Police will continue to preserve the prosperity, security and sovereignty of Sabah," he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Criminal Investigation Department Chief Datuk Salehuddin Abd Rahman said a total of 57 people were detained under the Prevention Of Crime Act (POCA) since it was extended to Sabah in April 2014.