Strict action against cops allowing illegal immigrants into country - Police

The police will take action against dishonest personnel found guilty of allowing illegal immigrants to enter the country's waters.

Tawau police chief ACP Fadil Marsus said if any personnel from the General Operations Force (GOF), Marine Operations Force (MOF) or any other police unit was caught indulging in immoral activities, strict action will be taken against them.

He said this when commenting on the footage of a TV programme by TransMedia which had gone viral, showing how Indonesia's illegal immigrants entered Tawau.

The 11-minute video claimed that it was easy for Indonesians to enter Tawau illegally, only by giving a bribe of around RM50 to RM100 to the Malaysian authorities who monitor the waters and take care of the ports.

In the meantime, Fadil said the police was investigating the authenticity of the video posted on Facebook, which had been shared over 2,500 times and viewed 5,700 times as at the time of this report.

"We are still in the process of investigating the authenticity of the video and all of its contents...appropriate action will be carried out with regard to the disclosure," he said.

He also thanked members of the public who were concerned and shared the video.

Meanwhile, Fadil said various preventive measures and operations were being carried out by the police to curb the influx of illegal immigrants.

"In addition to geographical factors that facilitate human trafficking syndicates to use rat trails, some locals also decide to help them, thus making life difficult for the security forces," he said.