Persistent rumours of second Sulu ‘invasion’

Chief Minister Musa Aman said the police and the armed forces are investigating rumours of an attempt on Aug 8 or Aug 30.

KOTA KINABALU: The security forces are placed on the alert following rumours of a second wave of intrusion by Sulu armed terrorists in Sabah, said Chief Minister Musa Aman.

He said the security forces were closely monitoring the rumours and would not treat such misinformation lightly.

“The police and the armed forces are investigating the sources of the rumours, who have evil intent on their minds, to ensure that Sabah’s security is rest assured,” he told reporters after chairing the state security committee meting here yesterday.

Musa said the security situation in Sabah was under control with the crime index recorded a significant drop due to ongoing efforts by the security forces and the cooperation the people.

“There were no untoward incidents that could affect Sabah’s security despite information and rumours of a second wave of Sulu armed terrorists intrusion,” he said.

Rumours were rife Sulu armed terrorists were planning to launch a second intrusion during Aidilfitri (Aug 8) or on the eve of the independence (Aug 30) to avenge their failed mission in Lahad Datu and Semporna that started in February.

Calling on the people and tourists not to be hoodwinked by the rumours, Musa said they should place their trust on the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), which was set up on April 1, to safeguard the security situation.

He urged public to continue to be the ‘ears and eyes’ for the security forces and provide any information on suspicious activities or characters in their areas.

Sabah police chief Hamza Taib, who was present at the meeting, dismissed the rumours as a psychological warfare by Sulu terrorists out to create fear among the people.

He said although there was no truth in the rumours, the General Operations Force and security posts were put on alert as “we are not taking the matter lightly.”

Also present were State Secretary Sukarti Wakiman, Sabah Federal Secretary Abu Bakar Hassan and Esscom director-general Mohamad Mantek.

-Bernama