KOTA KINABALU - Three illegal immigrants were arrested after they were suspected of being involved in the ‘Wali Tujuh’ (Seven Saints) deviant teaching activity, last night (Tuesday).
They were arrested during a raid carried out by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) at one of the workers' quarters in Bukit Kertam, Kota Kinabatangan.
Several items belonging to one of the suspects including a calendar, knives, slingshots and various kinds of amulets were seized during the raid at around 7.30pm.
ESSCom commander deputy commissioner Hamzah Ahmad said three individuals were detained and initial investigations revealed that they did not have any valid identification documents under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63.
"The group was led by a teacher and two assistants all of whom started to be actively involved over the past three months, spreading deviant teachings such as 'mysticism and invincibility'.
"Their teachings have grown rapidly and garnered the interest of plantation workers, especially foreigners from around Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He added that the group already has a total of 20 members which consists of foreigners who were plantation workers from around the district.
With this in mind, Hamzah advised the public not to be influenced by deviant teachings that could cause disharmony among the local community.
"Strict action will be taken against any individuals and groups who deliberately disrupt public order and security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).