ESSCom activates special operation in three ESSZone districts

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has activated the Illegals Prevention Operation (OCP) from today in three Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) districts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

ESSCom commander, Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman said the first phase of the OCP implementation involving the districts of Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu would go on until Sept 30.

"The operation is part of the proactive measures carried out by ESSCom to prevent the intrusion of illegal immigrants who maybe infected by COVID-19 and can cause infection cluster here.

“There is a possibility of illegal immigrants working in the state who are now in their home countries attempting to sneak in via the three districts,” he said in a statement here today.

In this regard, Ahmad Fuad said OCP would be implemented in areas identified as the landing points for illegal immigrants and to also contain cross-border crimes including kidnapping gangs out to seek victims.

He said the special OCP is conducted jointly by the Armed Forces, police and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and is assisted by the Health, Immigration and Customs departments.

“The cooperation of all parties is necessary in the effort to break the spread of COVID-19 infection in ESSZone especially in the three districts which are showing increasing cases from the entry of illegal immigrants,” he said.

Ahmad Fuad hoped the operation would combat cases of cross-border crimes and illegal immigrants and to stop the external source of COVID-19 infection from coming in.

-- BERNAMA