But police have no theory as to why attack took place on the house full of Pakistani nationals, which left one dead
KOTA KINABALU: 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 Datuk 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 here today.
A manhunt has since been launched to track down the suspects who killed one of the Pakistanis with Hamza (photo) indicating that more than one person could be involved in the incident.
Police have also taken statements from the victim’s house mate to assist in their investigations, and are trying to determine if the incident was due to revenge.
“It is still too early to make any speculation and the motive of the attack,” said Hamzah.
In the Borneo Insider’s report early Wednesday, quoting Sabah CID chief, SAC Omar Mammah, the body of Attaulah Hukmat Khan, 35, was found floating in the water by villagers after the 4.05am Tuesday attack.
Omar had assured that police will leave no stone unturned and investigate all possible angles, to determine the motive of the attack.
Semporna police chief, DSP Mohd Firdaus Abdullah had said that preliminary investigations showed that Attaulah had arrived at the village about three months ago, and was staying with four other Pakistani nationals.
Mohd Firdaus also believed the victim was hit by debris from the exploded homemade fish bomb that was thrown into the house by his assailant while he was sleeping in the living room.
According to Hamza, the victim was sleeping in the living room where the explosion took place while his four housemates slept in a room in the wooden house.
“The explosion in the living room of the house damaged the floor, causing the victim to fall into the water below,” he said.
Hamza said all the Pakistan nationals, aged between 20 and 55, had legitimate identification documents and had been carrying out trading activities in Semporna about a year.
Attaulah was said to have come to the settlement three months ago.
Meanwhile, Hamzah also disclosed that 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.
Read more at : borneoinsider.com
