IGP: Don't trust the rumours about Sabah

The police today urged people not to believe or spread rumours on the ongoing conflict in Sabah.

The appeal comes after many people reportedly received text messages claiming 700 terrorists were on a mission to attack Kota Kinabalu and Tawau. The message also claimed the police were asking people to exercise caution and take adequate precautions.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said the consequence of believing and spreading these rumours could cause chaotic situation among public.

“We can confirm that the news is not true and did not even come from us. We hope that the public would not believe or spread such rumours,” said Ismail to reporters.

Ismail also showed several pictures terrorists killed during the ongoing operations, weapons and abandoned uniform found at the site of the 'mopping-out' operation in Kampung Tanduo.

“All the items were discovered when we were conducting our ‘mopping-out’ operation at the area and we are satisfied with flow of the operation. We also received cooperation on vital tip-off from the public and that makes the flow of the operation, so far, successful,” he said.

He added from the bodies that were discovered, it is believed one of them is ranked as ‘General’ of the terrorist army.

“We have yet to identify the identity of the body and analyse them to determine their identities,” said Ismail.

There are doubts as to whether the ‘General’ is the self-proclaimed Crown Prince of Sulu, Agbimuddin Kiram, who until today is still missing-in-action.

Security forces are also continuing the ‘mopping-out’ operation as there is no sign of surrender from the terrorists.

Meanwhile, also addressing the media, Chief of Malaysian Army General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin added that the period of ‘mopping-out’ operation has now been shortened as there wasn’t’ any encounter with the terrorists group.

“However, that doesn’t mean they have left the area completely and we are going all-out to fight them.” said Zulkifeli.

Since the offensive strike was launched on March 1, 52 Sulu terrorists and eight Malaysian policemen have been killed.

In a separate event in Port Dickson, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also urged the all quarters not to arbitrarily issue statement or file reports leading to confusion and anxiety among the people over the armed intrusion in Sabah.

"We cannot take things lightly in this matter because it concerns the security of the country. Many lives were lost in the armed intrusion in Lahad Datu," he said.