Three detained under ISA in Sabah

They were suspected of being involved in human trafficking between Bongau in the Southern Philippines and Lahad Datu in Sabah.

KOTA KINABALU: Three individuals, two Filipinos and a Malaysian, have been arrested in Lahad Datu under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The three individuals, who were detained on May 24, were suspected of being involved in human trafficking between Bongau in the Southern Philippines and Lahad Datu in Sabah by both land and sea.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein in revealing this today, said more information was still being gathered from intelligence agencies on matters that involved trafficking of illegal immigrants.

He added that his ministry was concerned by the issue, and the ISA was acceptable as long as it was not abused and done for the safety of the people.

“We must make sure that future amendments to the ISA and relevant Acts will have no abuse, because they are there to curb militancy and matters which affect national security,” he said after meeting with the directors of the departments under his ministry here.

In terms of combating illegal immigrants, he said the government was developing the National Enforcement and Registration System (NERS), which involved the biometric registration and enforcement nationwide that allowed the monitoring of movements in and out of the country.

The system is said to be able to curb document falsification, overstaying, and abuse of visa, pass and permit.

He added that the system will be in place in June 1 this year at all entry points into the country, including Sabah.