KUALA LUMPUR:Sabah Parks (TTS) today clarified that it did not receive prior notice from Ustaz Ebit Lew's entourage for special permission to enter the island in Semporna known as Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

The Board of Trustees of TTS in a statement said individuals or groups need special permission to enter the area of operation of TTS, especially the island which is now closed to the public during the period of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Referring to the statement on the official social media of TTS on January 12, it added, all areas in TTS were temporarily closed from January 13 in line with the implementation of MCO.

"Ustaz Ebit Lew's entourage is a public delegation subject to MCO standard operating procedures (SOP) and at the same time TTS did not receive prior notification for special permission to enter the Tun Sakaran Marine Park area in Semporna.

"In addition, the construction of building structures in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park area is also subject to the procedures and guidelines that have been set.

"This matter is related to the interests of the community of heirs in these islands as contained in the Gazette Letter of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in 2004," it said on Wednesday.

Yesterday, an independent preacher known for his philanthropic nature, Ebit Lew, had to postpone his intention to continue the aid mission in Sabah because he was not allowed to travel to the islands in Semporna to present donations.

He also claimed that he could be fined RM100,000 or jailed for three years if the intention is continued.

The TTS statement added it allowed the entourage of Ustaz Ebit Lew to enter the Tun Sakaran Marine Park area only after receiving information from the National Security Council.

In fact, the TTS strongly supports the noble efforts and caring assistance channelled to the community in all parks throughout Sabah.

"The TTS Management is also very appreciative of the stance and firmness of the officers and park rangers at Tun Sakaran Marine Park who are dedicated in carrying out their duties to protect the park area which is currently in the rest phase from tourists and visitors.

"The protection and conservation of the park's nature throughout the TTS will continue, including during the MCO period and the curfew period throughout the country," it said.