LAHAD DATU: Police detained 10 women and 11 children from the Pala’u (Sea Gypsies) community in a special integrated operation at several locations here yesterday.
Lahad Datu district police chief ACP Nasri Mansor said all of them aged between two and 60 were nabbed after they were found to have been involved in street begging activities that could pose a danger to road users.
“The women, as well as the children, three boys and eight girls, are being held under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,“ he said in a statement here today.
Nasri said, 16 personnel involved in the two-hour operation began at 2pm, focusing on areas at Perdana traffic light, the Lahad Datu Airport, Wisma Ramai-Ramai, Bandar Wilayah and a KFC outlet.
According to him, the street begging activities had raised public concern as it could pose a danger to road users.
In a recent incident at a traffic light junction here, a street beggar was hit by a car when she suddenly crossed the road.
Meanwhile, Nasri said on the same day, a Filipino man, believed to be a drug trafficker was also detained in an operation dubbed ‘Op Sarang’ at Kampung Desa Bajau, Jalan Tengah Nipah here.
He said the suspect, in his 40s was detained at 11.15am after he was caught behaving in a suspicious manner at a bridge in the village.
“Upon inspection, three packets of syabu weighing 30.80g worth RM4,620 was found in his bag,“ he said, adding that the suspect also tested positive for drugs.
Nasri said during the operation, three drug addicts aged between their 20s and 40s were also nabbed. — Bernama
