Sandakan: Integrated operations will be conducted with several enforcement agencies to curb the sale of smuggled cigarettes, following an incident in which a Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) enforcement officer was assaulted recently. Sabah Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Fairuz Renddan announced the operations, emphasizing collaboration with the police, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Immigration Department, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the incident in Sandakan, where a civil servant was openly assaulted, has prompted a serious response from the state government. Datuk Fairuz Renddan stated, "We have a constitution, we have enforcement. don't be defiant. We will try to eliminate these cultures in Sabah," during an engagement session on the development of the state's paddy industry. While the integrated operations are set to commence soon, specific dates will not be disclosed to maintain the operations' effectiveness.

Further actions are being considered to enhance enforcement capabilities, including discussions with Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif to explore ways to support local authority enforcement personnel. The assaulted enforcement officer is reportedly in stable condition but continues to experience trauma. Four suspects, including a minor, have been apprehended by the police in connection with the incident.

The media reported that the assault occurred on Friday (March 6) when an MPS enforcement officer, patrolling with a colleague, reprimanded a man suspected of selling illicit cigarettes at the Batu 8 market in Sandakan. A video clip capturing the incident has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention to the case.