KOTA KINABALU: Security forces in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) will undertake necessary measures to strengthen security with the re-opening of the country’s international borders from April 1.

       Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Deputy Comm Hamzah Ahmad said preparations to strengthen security were needed to meet any future threats.

       “It is well known that the east coast of Sabah often draws tourists, especially Semporna, Sandakan and nearby districts.

       “Esscom is ready to take any action to ensure nothing undesirable happens,” he said at a press conference at the Esscom headquarters in Lahad Datu on Wednesday (March 9).

       Meanwhile, he said four huts believed to have been used by cross-border criminals in Lahad Datu waters around Hammerhead were demolished under Ops Gasak Laut on March 5.

       He said the operation was carried out by Esscom together with the police, Armed Forces, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the National Security Council.

       Also involved were the district office, Immigration Department, Land and Survey Department, National Registration Department, Civil Defence Force and Lahad Datu health office.

       DCP Hamzah said the unoccupied huts could have been used as stopover points for cross-border criminals involved in kidnapping, robbery and smuggling.

       “A total of 18 huts on government land were inspected. Fourteen were occupied and those using it were given immediate notice to leave the area. Some 63 individuals were checked, but no arrests were made,” he added.

       DCP Hamzah said Ops Gasak Laut was organised to take action against illegal huts set up around the district and also to ensure that every structure had a licence or permission from the authorities.

       He advised the owners of such structures to obtain permission or licences so no action would be taken against them.