KOTA KINABALU: Security forces here are continuing the hunt for gunmen who shot two Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel earlier this month.

Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Comm Datuk Victor Sanjos said sea border controls are being tightened and operations stepped up in the hunt for the armed men.

Comm Sanjos also called on the public to come forward if they have any information on the suspects.

"They can alert the authorities if they chance upon suspicious characters or movements of unknown people in their areas.

"We are stepping up surveillance and operations to nab them.

"Those with any information can channel it to the nearest police station so that we can take prompt action," he told reporters after holding the Friends of Esscom programme at their headquarters in Lahad Datu on Tuesday (April 30).

On April 7, two MMEA personnel were injured during a shooting incident with gunmen, suspected to be cross border smugglers or criminals.

One of the MMEA personnel lost his eyesight due to a gunshot wound while his colleague suffered injuries to his hands.

Comm Sanjos said he has ordered security forces to take the necessary preventive measures when inspecting boats at sea.

"I have issued instructions to strengthen the standard operating procedure and be on standby with weapons during inspections," he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/30/esscom-still-on-the-hunt-for-gunmen-behind-shooting-of-mmea-personnel