Armed forces personnel suspected of piracy in Sabah

The Home Ministry confirmed there were two cases of armed robbery on Sabah’s eastern coast in August.

In a written reply to Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna), Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin (above) said both incidents involved suspects who are members of the security forces.

“Both cases are classified under Section 395 of the Penal Code for gang robbery. There were 20 arrests, including members of the military.

“They have been released on bail on Sept 25 and the cases are under investigation,” he said.

The first incident took place on Aug 15 in the waters near Pulau Siamil while the second took place on Aug 18 on Bum Bum island.

Both locations are under the Semporna constituency.

Under Section 395, an offender can be jailed for up to 20 years and whipped.

Philippine military: Eight Indonesians abducted by militants in Sabah

Budgets cuts put Sabah at security risk

Yoursay: Mat Sabu right to tell truth about poor state of our defence

Protesters reject LCS explanation, demand answer on RM6b funds