Sabah will not allow itself to be drug transit hub, says Hajiji
by Mariah Doksil · Borneo Post OnlineTUARAN (Feb 16): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has called for stricter enforcement and tighter border controls following what police described as the largest drug bust in the state’s history.
Insisting Sabah “will not allow” itself to become a transit hub for international narcotics syndicates, Hajiji said decisive and coordinated action must continue to ensure the state is not exploited by organised crime networks.
“We do not want Sabah to become a transit point. Not only transit, but drugs are also targeting our local communities.
“This cannot be allowed,” he said, adding that he had personally spoken to the Inspector-General of Police to urge firm action against drug cartels and traffickers.
Hajiji’s remarks followed a massive crackdown by the police, which seized more than three tonnes of drugs worth an estimated RM240 million in two recent integrated operations, namely Op Coleoptera and Op Bayu 2.
The raids were conducted across Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Sepanggar, as well as in Selangor, following months of intelligence gathering.
Hajiji stressed that enforcement agencies must intensify monitoring across all entry points into Sabah.
“I have asked for tighter controls whether by sea, air or land involving the police, Customs, Immigration, and all relevant agencies,” he said.
He praised the collaboration between the Royal Malaysia Police, the Customs Department, and other border enforcement bodies, describing the success of the operations as proof that coordinated intelligence and public cooperation can cripple even large-scale syndicates.
Reaffirming his administration’s stance, the Chief Minister said Sabah would not compromise when it comes to safeguarding the state’s security and its people.