KOTA KINABALU: Five empty illegal structures were torn down and 41 illegal houses were given notices of eviction during the Operasi Gasak Laut Series 1/2022 in Kudat.

       Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) conducted the exercise on Wednesday at the waters of Si Bogo, Pulau Bangkawan, given the mushrooming of illegal structures there that posed security risks.

       “These structures can potentially be used as a staging point for cross-border criminals attempting to conduct kidnapping, robbery or smuggling at Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) waters.

       “The notices were issued by Sabah Parks, and house owners were warned to move or demolish their own structures before the second phase started, where we started identifying every structure that needs to be demolished.

       “Esscom is ready to conduct sweeps on any illegal structures along Sabah’s waters in the east coast. Therefore, any individual and groups are advised to immediately evacuate and tear down their illegal settlements before the authorities take action,” said Esscom in a statement earlier this week.