Home Minister denies shoot-out occurred in Sabah early today

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied that a shoot-out occurred in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) area in Sabah early today.

He advised the people against spreading rumours and false news on the social media, saying this could cause anxiety among the people.

"Do not confuse the situation because the security forces are striving hard to ensure that the place is safe," he told reporters after recording an Aidilfitri message at his office here.

Ahmad Zahid said the ministry would work with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to identify those responsible for circulating the rumours.

Bernama had reported earlier quoting ESSCom commander DCP Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun as dismissing social media reports of a shoot-out between security forces and about 200 Sulu terrorists.

Abdul Rashid asked the people to remain calm and to contact the ESSCom Operations Room or any police station to verify the news they had received.