Ismail (centre) makes a gesture during a press conference on the situation in Sabah in Lahad Datu. With him are Salleh (left) and Zulkifeli (right).

LAHAD DATU: The situation in three areas where security forces are holding off armed Sulu intruders is under control, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar.

"I have called the armed forces chief (Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin) to strengthen our position over incidents involving the armed intruders in three areas.

"We are in a state of readiness to take further action," he told a news conference at Felda Residence Sahabat, about 130 km from here.

Present were Zulkifeli, Bukit Aman internal security and public order director Datuk Salleh Mat Rashid and Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib.

The areas are Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak.

Three armed intruders were nabbed by the security forces in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu as they tried to leave the cordoned area; while five policemen were shot dead in Kampung Seri Jaya Simunul, Semporna, and 10 armed intruders sighted in Kampung Lumalong and Kampung Dasar Lama in Kunak.

Ismail asked the people not to believe in rumours and unconfirmed reports on the situation or make assumptions based on postings on social media networks.

He said the police have not imposed a curfew in the areas and assured tourists of their safety.

Zulkifeli said Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak residents should go about their daily activities as usual without worrying as the armed forces and police were working closely to address the security situation there.

"The IGP and I are mapping out operations and we can handle this situation by enforcing tight security," he said.

Zulkifeli said two more battalions have been deployed in several areas in the east coast of Sabah to restore public confidence. - Bernama.

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