LAHAD DATU: Police are set to take action against several more individuals connected to the detention of an Israeli man found with six firearms at a hotel on Jalan Ampang in Lahad Datu.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail disclosed that the police have identified additional names and will be taking action against them.
“We have recovered all the weapons in his possession and now the police will announce the arrest of additional suspects involved. Further monitoring will also be conducted as investigations indicate the involvement of more individuals,” he informed reporters after an event promoting noble Ramadan values in conjunction with the 11th anniversary of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) on Saturday (March 30).
Reports emerged on Friday (March 29) detailing the arrest of a 36-year-old Israeli man with six firearms and 200 rounds of ammunition at a hotel on Jalan Ampang on Wednesday (March 27).
“Let the police do their work. At this point, all parties, including the public, should refrain from making speculations. I have confidence in the progress of the police investigation as they managed to track down the Israeli individual, who was in possession of the weapons and using a French passport, within 48 hours,” stated Saifuddin.
Additionally, he highlighted the success of Esscom, which has witnessed significant achievements over its 11-year tenure, citing the absence of incidents like kidnappings for ransom since 2020.
“The security threat in Sabah has notably decreased with the presence of Esscom… all data indicates that the east coast of Sabah has the potential to become a popular tourist destination.
“During a recent meeting of the Security Border Committee that I chaired, the tourism sector reported a rise in tourist arrivals,” he added.
According to Saifuddin, the progress has been bolstered by changes in coordination strategies, such as reclassifying the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) as a movement control order (MCO) area rather than a lockdown zone.
At the event on Saturday, Saifuddin distributed food baskets and “duit Raya” to 25 individuals with disabilities and 19 orphans, all of whom are children of security personnel in Lahad Datu. – Bernama
