Ops Daulat: Areas should made safe before residents' return

The security forces would need to ensure that the residential areas are totally safe before allowing the people to return to their homes. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said, this is because they fear that the area might have traces of abandoned mines placed by the enemies. "We have to make sure, because we do not want the public to get hurt or injured by these things," he told reporters at a press conference for in Lahad Datu on Saturday. He said whenever a mopping up is being done, a security team will be positioned at the area to ensure its safety. Hamza said he does not want the enemies to come back to the place after the mopping up procedure. “What I meant by ‘clear’ is that our enemies will not come back to this place, God-willing we will discuss with the community leaders and allow the villagers to go back to their homes,” he said. Meanwhile, the security forces are still tracking the Sulu terrorist leader, Aziemuddie Kiram. Previously, Aziemuddie was believed to have fled to the Philippines, leaving the rest of his members to continue the fight. "When we say we ‘believe’, (we meant that) maybe he is there, maybe he is here, "said Hamza. However, he said efforts to hunt the terrorists are continuing. Hamza said if Aziemuddie is in Sabah, the security forces will be taking the appropriate action whether to catch him alive or dead.