LAHAD DATU, December 19 — Twenty-two undocumented migrants aged between 20 and 50 were detained during an integrated operation carried out by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) in the district from December 16 to 18.

ESSCom commander DCP Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the operation was carried out to curb criminal activities along territorial waters, involving undocumented migrants in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

"Throughout the operation, 548 individuals and 290 houses and premises were checked. The undocumented migrants were detained under Section 6(1)(c) Immigration Act 1959/63 and National Registration Act 1959 before being deported to their country of origin,” he said in a statement.

Hamzah said the operation involved 80 officers from the police force, Immigration, National Registration Department, Health Ministry and RELA.

"We need to carry out such operations regularly to ensure the safety and security of the community as well as safeguard the socio-economy of the people,” he said.

He also urged the people to channel information about illegal activities in the ESSZone to the ESSCom Operation Centre at 089-863181 or WhatsApp 011-63311072. — Bernama