Police refuted claims that an explosion that killed a Pakistani in Semporna yesterday was linked to activities by terrorists from Sulu, southern Philippines.

Sabah police commissioner Hamza Taib said investigations revealed that the explosion had nothing to do with terrorists.

“Police investigation has not connected the case to terrorists,” he told a press conference in Kota Kinabalu today.

He said during the incident the victim was sleeping in the living room where the explosion took place while his four housemates slept in a room in the house in Kampung Air.

“The explosion in the living room of the house damaged the floor, causing the victim to fall into the water below,” he said.

The Pakistani, Attaulah Hukmat Khan, aged 35, was killed when the bomb, believed to be home-made, went off yesterday at 4.20am while the explosion also damaged the living room and shattered glass windows of neighbouring houses.

Hamza said all the Pakistan nationals, aged between 20 to 55, had legitimate identification documents and were carrying out trading activities in Semporna for less than a year.

Meanwhile, he said 132 people have been arrested to date under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

“Some have been freed due to lack of evidence and others have been referred to the Immigration Department. Nevertheless, a number of them have been charged and are undergoing trial,” he said.

Earlier, Hamza handed over an ex-gratia compensation scheme monthly cheque of RM1,347 to Sumiati Suarah, 51, the widow of Sgt Mejar Baharin Hamit who was killed by terrorists during an operation in Kampung Sri Jaya, Simunul, Semporna.

 

- Bernama