LAHAD DATU, March 21 ― The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) refuted allegations in the social media that its personnel purportedly sprayed gas under the Lahad Datu market which caused the death of three youths believed to be illegal immigrants early today.

ESSCom secretariat division director Newmond Tibin said on the other hand, the three victims were believed drowned while trying to evade arrest in an integrated operation conducted at the market area. 

He said the operation led by ESSCom began at 8am focusing on the main market area to flush out illegal traders and illegal immigrants. 

"On seeing ESSCom personnel, many ran helter skelter and the three men were believed to be hiding under the market.  

"At about 10.30am, an operation staff at the location called for an ambulance and the Fire and Rescue Department for assistance.                         

"The three victims who were found drowned were sent to Lahad Datu hospital and at about 12 noon, ESSCom was informed the three men drowned while trying to evade arrest in the operation in the fish market area," he said in a statement last night. 

Newmond said the dead were identified as Nordin Akang, 16, Lahudin Nasir, 17, and his brother Alex Nasir, 18, of Kampung Bakau, Lahad Datu. 

The daily integrated operation was launched in January to flush out illegal immigrants in Lahad Datu. ― Bernama