In an effort to eliminate piracy and armed robberies in the waters of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), Malysia, Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) set up a taskforce team.
Namely, ESSCom commander, Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman informed that a special operation was also mobilised in line with the setting up of the team.
The taskforce was set up following several robberies recorded in the waters of the ESSZone including in Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna lately. I will not compromise with such activities which imperil the security of the maritime community in ESSZone.
Following the above, Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman said that during its first attempt, the taskforce managed to arrest three Filipino suspects in the waters of Pulau Bum Bum, Semporna that believed to be involved in a sea robbery in Lahad Datu.
In fact, on 18 November, at approximately 9.30am, a Marine Police Force (PPM) team headed by ESCom gave chase to a suspicious-looking boat.
As Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman noted, the suspects’ boat overturned after it collided with the PPM’s vessel which was trying to cut off its escape resulting in the suspects suffering mild injuries.
In light of the situation, the authorities seized various items from the suspects including two outboard motor engines from the sea robbery in Lahad Datu.
According to local media, investigations were being carried out to determine if the trio were also involved in the robbing of a bagang (fishing structure at sea with a lift net and lights) near Pulau Burung in Kunak.
