KOTA KINABALU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) will hold an operation to demolish illegal structures built over the water in the northern Kudat district.

       The exercise, dubbed Operasi Gasak Laut, will be carried out on May 18.

       Esscom commander Deputy Comm Hamzah Ahmad said these unoccupied buildings, known as pondohan by locals, were detected in Bogo waters near Pulau Bangkawan.

       Pondohan are makeshift wooden structures built over the water on stilts. They are typically used as dwellings and are legal if built with permission from authorities.

       He said eviction notices have been issued before demolition of the structures, which he said was a security threat to the country and surrounding communities.

       He said security forces, using air surveillance, noticed that the number of such structures had increased like "mushrooms after rain" in Kudat waters of late.

       "Based on our intelligence, these huts can potentially be used as staging points for cross-border criminals for kidnappings, robberies or smuggling in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

       "As such, we are taking this proactive approach to prevent further illegal structures being built in the Esszone and subsequently being exploited by criminal elements," Hamzah said in a statement on Friday (May 13).

       He said the authorities will enforce the law under Section 48(1)(j) of the Sabah Parks Enactment 1984 and the Immigration Act, among others, to carry out the exercise.

       "Esscom will always be prepared for any pondohan, illegal settlements and bagang (fishing platforms) in the Sabah east coast.

       "We advise the people or groups who have erected such structures to take them down before authorities take action," he said.

       Those with information pertaining to the illegal construction of such structures are urged to contact the Esscom operations room at 089-863 181 or send a text message to the WhatsApp number 011-6331 1072.