RM190 million lawsuit by former ESSCOM officers against police begins in Tawau

A significant lawsuit seeking RM190 million has commenced at the Tawau High Court, pitting former senior intelligence officers and members of the Sabah Eastern Coast Security Command (ESSCOM) against the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and 11 other defendants. The trial began Tuesday afternoon before Judicial Commissioner Steve Ritikos.

The legal action stems from separate filings made in August 2024 and June/July 2025. The initial suit, for RM100 million, was filed by the former Head of ESSCOM Intelligence, Senior Assistant Commissioner (B) Datuk Mat Zaki Md Zain, along with three former intelligence unit members. Two additional former members and the wife of one filed subsequent suits totaling RM90 million against the same defendants.

Nurimah Juli, 36, a key witness, was called to provide testimony on the first day of proceedings. A legal team representing the plaintiffs includes lawyers Sharatha Masyaroh John Ridwan Lincon, Zahbia Ophent, Rasrina Patrick T. Rining Fadzidahtul Ardianah, Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki, Datuk Ram Singh, Chen Wen Jye, and Prabjit Singh. The defendants are represented by Senior Federal Counsels Afiq Nazrin Zaharinan, Mardziatun Nisa Ahamadul Kaber, and Anis Najwa Nazari.

Among the named defendants are former Director of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) PDRM, Datuk Seri Abdul Jalil Hassan; Bukit Aman CID Director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa; Bukit Aman Narcotics CID Director Datuk Hussein Omar Khan; and former Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah. The specific details of the allegations driving this substantial claim remain central to the ongoing trial.