Probe into Sabah tour firm after tourists detained by Philippine authorities

 

Sabah police chief Jauteh Dikun said they would first obtain more information on the case from their counterparts in the Philippines. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

A Sabah tour company will be investigated by police after two of its boats carrying tourists entered Philippine waters illegally, leading to the detention of those on board.

Sabah police chief Jauteh Dikun said they would first obtain more information on the case from their counterparts in the Philippines.

For now, we will wait for investigation updates from our neighbouring counterparts and will offer our full cooperation where needed,

 The Borneo Post quoted him as saying.

In a Facebook post yesterday, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group said 11 people – eight Chinese nationals and three Malaysians – were detained near Tugayo Hunasan, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, for illegally entering Philippine waters on Sunday.

The 11, who were on two speedboats, were said to be fishing in Malaysian waters before unintentionally entering Philippine waters.

The Philippine maritime police said the 11 had violated immigration and maritime laws and were being held for further investigation by the nation’s immigration bureau.

Meanwhile, Sabah tourism, culture and environment minister Christina Liew said she would ask the federal tourism, arts and culture ministry to revoke the licence of tour operators who violated the law.

In warning tour operators in the state against encroaching into another nation’s territory, Liew said such actions only exposed tourists to unnecessary dangers and risks. - FMT