ESSCOM Chief Orders Stop To Rumors Of Sulu Attacks On Sabah.

PULAU BANGGI: Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek has ordered an immediate stop to rumors of more Sulu terrorist attacks on Sabah. He said those who continued to spread such rumors would face legal action.

"We regret that lately certain people have deliberately spread rumors through the Internet, letters and telephone calls to frighten the people," he said when speaking at the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual at the Kg Karakit Mosque near here today. Also present were Banggi state assemblyman Datuk Abdul Mijul Unaini and Esscom defence division director Maj Gen Datuk Abdul Halim Jalal. 

Mohammad advised the people not to believe rumors spread by irresponsible parties which brought about undue fear and worry among the residents. "Please refer such rumors to the police station or ESSCOM for verification," he said. Mohammad also invited island residents, especially in Pulau Banggi, to be the eyes and ears of the government in channeling information which could threaten national security and sovereignty. In making the call, Mohammad said the measure was important to ensure quick action was taken to repel the terrorists.

Mohammad said the Sulu terrorist attack in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, in early March should be a lesson as the situation now was no longer like before. "Attacks can take place at any time if we are complacent about defending the country's sovereignty and security," he said. Mohammad said this was because the state, including Pulau Banggi, was only a few nautical miles from neighboring countries.

He said the long coastline of Sabah, of over 1,773 kilometers from Kudat to Tawau, and some 486 islands in the waters of the state encouraged illegal immigration. "As such, if we do not want to be encroached, we need the close and continuous cooperation of the people," he said, adding that the islanders were more aware or knew in advance of outsiders attempting to come in.