Security forces' swift action against terrorists in Sabah receives praise

 

The swift action of the security forces in defeating members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group hiding in squatters at the Taman Sri Arjuna mangrove in Beaufort, Sabah on Monday received praise from residents in the district.

A resident, Mohd Hairol Jais, 33, never expected the area behind their house to be a hideout for the terrorists.

On the day of the incident, Hairol who worked as a security guard, heard the sound of an explosion, but thought it was just the sound of firecrackers.

"Since it's Hari Raya, I thought it was the sound of firecrackers, but after that, I saw many police officers coming, and news about the shooting went viral," he told Bernama today.

Hairol, however, said he waited for confirmation from the authorities about the incident, and was relieved when the individuals wanted by the authorities were successfully defeated.

Another resident in her 40s who only wanted to be known as Kamaliah, also praised the swift action of the security forces in fighting the terrorists who originated from a neighbouring country.

"I only learned about the news through the mass media yesterday, and there were fears about the security situation here, but the quick action of the security forces to eliminate the terrorist group was a great relief to us," she said.

Meanwhile, a check by Bernama at the scene found that the area was hidden from public view as it required passing through the residential area before reaching a hilly path heading up for about 150m.

From the top of the hilly path, there is another hillside trail to enter the area where the squatters are located, and there are several dilapidated wooden houses built close to each other, surrounded by the forest.

Meanwhile, Beaufort district police chief DSP Yusoff Zaki Mat Yaacob said the police will work with the Beaufort District Council to demolish the squatters' homes.

"It is to ensure that the area is no longer used by undocumented migrants," he added.

Former Sabah chief minister Yong Teck Lee said the police action meant the Abu Sayyaf had lost their hideout in Sabah, and this also prevented attempts of intrusion from the group.

“It is shocking that terrorists are hiding in Beaufort because the town is located in Southwest Sabah, far from the Esszone (Eastern Sabah Security Zone) on the East Coast of Sabah which is protected by Esscom (Eastern Sabah Security Command).

"However, as acknowledged by the police, some members of the group are still out there, so locals, especially in or near the squatter area must play a more active role in detecting the presence of terrorists and their supporters, so that the security forces can act immediately and eliminate the threat," he added.

Yong, who is also an appointed Sabah assemblyperson, said in this regard, he had urged the government to strengthen Esscom, especially its security assets to protect Sabah from terrorism, militancy and cross-border crime.

On May 17 at 11.27am, security forces managed to shoot dead five members of the Abu Sayyaf, including a sub-leader wanted by the Philippine authorities known as Mabar Binda, all in their 20s and 40s.

In the same area on May 8, security forces managed to detain eight members of the Abu Sayyaf, including two named on the Philippine government's wanted list, in which police also detained 29 other Filipinos.

- Bernama