Investigation officers appointed by the Commission of Inquiry to tackle the issue on illegal immigrants in Sabah have begun their probe yesterday.

This was confirmed by the secretary of the commission, Saripuddin Kasim, in a statement today.

He said the investigation followed the appointment of the members of the Commission of Inquiry by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, effective Sept 21.

"The Public Prosecutor has appointed investigating officers pursuant to Section 16 of the Commission of Inquiry Act 1950 (Act 119) to investigate any matter relating to the terms of reference of the commission," said Saripuddin.

The media had previously reported that the terms of reference for the commission, among other things, was to investigate the number of immigrants in Sabah who had been given the identity card or citizenship.

The commission would also investigate whether immigrants in Sabah who possessed the blue identity card, temporary identification receipt (blue) or citizenship in an illegal manner had been registered in the electoral roll.

It has been given six months to complete the investigation, effective from the date of the appointment of the chairman and members of the commission, which was Sept 21.

The investigation report must be submitted to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

- Bernama