LAHAD DATU: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) is determined to clean out the resorts on islands within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (EssZone) of illegal workers who have the potential to be in cahoots with cross-border criminals.
In this regard, Esscom director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek said a major operation would be launched soon following the kidnapping case at a resort on Pulau Singamata, Semporna, on Wednesday.
“Based on feedback and the modus operandi of the kidnappers, it is clear that the criminals knew their way round the area including the guests at the resort.
“We suspect they have an accomplice at the resort, a local who originated from the Philippines who gave them early information..this should not have happened,” he said in a statement here yesterday.
In the latest kidnapping case, a woman from China and a resort worker from the Philippines were kidnapped from the Singamata Adventures Reef and Resort by a group of armed men.
The Chinese national was identified as student Gao Hua Yua, 29, from Shanghai and the resort worker as Marcy Dayawan or Mimi, 40.
The water resort with 60 rooms, about two nautical miles from Semporna town, has been in operation since 10 years ago.
Mohammad reiterated his warning that firm action would be taken against resort operators operating in the EssZone area if they hired illegals.
He said Esscom had met the resort operators three times on the matter, including suggesting they install closed-circuit television cameras and hire security guards.
“All quarters including resort operators must be responsible to ensure security in the EssZone,” he added. — Bernama