Alert level downgraded in three Sabah sites of clashes with Kiram followers

Two weeks after starting offensive operations against followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Malaysian authorities have downgraded the security alert level in three Sabah towns where the Kiram followers had been seen. While a report on New Straits Times Tuesday said the alert level was lowered from red to amber in Lahad Datu, Semporna and Kunak due to “improved” conditions, the police said the offensive operations will continue. “We will be at it until the security alert is downgraded further to ‘green.’ That is when the situation will become normal and people can go back to their usual business, returning to their villages,” said Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib. Under an “amber” alert, the threat is no longer as serious but the public is still forbidden from entering cordoned-off areas. Mopping-up operations remain at an advanced stage, the report said. The New Straits Times report also said the security level was lowered at Semporna and Kunak areas last week. Lahad Datu’s security alert was downgraded Monday, it said. Malaysian forces had been conducting offensive operations since March 5, following deadly clashes on March 1 and 2. Reinforcements On Tuesday, reinforcements continued to arrive in the Felda Sahabat area, with at least 12 armored vehicles brought in to flush out Kiram’s remaining followers. The New Straits Times report said the armored vehicles were seen in Bandar Cenderawasih near Felda Sahabat. On Monday, Malaysian authorities recorded two clashes between security forces and Kiram followers at Tanjung Batu. Malaysian authorities claim at least 104 people - some supposedly relatives of Sultan Kiram - have been detained under Malaysia’s Security Offences (Special Measures) Act of 2012. Since March 1, it said 62 suspected Kiram followers had been shot dead while 10 Malaysian security personnel have been killed. - VVP, GMA News