ESSCom confirms shooting incident in waters off Pom Pom Island

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) confirmed a shooting incident between the security forces and suspected cross-border criminals occurred in the waters off Pom Pom Island in Semporna on Tuesday (June 30) morning.

ESSCom commander Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun, however, said no General Operations Force (PGA) members involved were hurt during the 3am incident.

"At about 3am, PGA members of a sentry post heard the sound of boat engine approaching the island. When they shone light in the direction of the boat, two shots were fired.

"In defence, the PGA members fired back and forced the suspects to flee in the dark," he told Bernama.

Abdul Rashid said the distance between the boat and the sentry post was between 200 and 300 metres.

"The incident occurred in curfew area. We're not sure how many suspects were on the boat and what were their intentions," he said.

He said investigations by the security forces late in the morning did not find any signs of the boat.

Abdul Rashid said they considered it as serious incident and security personnel were always ready to face cross-border criminal threats.