{
  "id": 1162705,
  "title": "ESSCom chief: Claims of armed men entering Semporna, Lahad Datu baseless",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/esscom-chief-claims-of-armed-men-entering-semporna-lahad-datu-baseless-1162705",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T00:49:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/16/esscom-chief-claims-of-armed-men-entering-semporna-lahad-datu-baseless/231521"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) has dismissed claims of armed men entering Semporna and Lahad Datu, Sabah that have been circulating on social media, stating they are false. ESSCom commander Datuk Victor Sanjos confirmed that security in both areas remains under control and urged the public not to worry over the false claims. Victor clarified that the viral photos shared online were not accurate. He emphasized that ESSCom remains vigilant in monitoring and maintaining security control, particularly in the East Sabah Security Zone's waters and key locations. He advised anyone with information about potential security threats to report it to the authorities for further investigation and verification.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — Claims of a group of armed men entering Semporna and Lahad Datu, Sabah that went vira...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Viral claims of armed men entering Semporna, Lahad Datu fake, say cops",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/viral-claims-of-armed-men-entering-semporna-lahad-datu-fake-say-cops",
        "published": "2026-08-15T23:53:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "ESSCom chief: Claims of armed men entering Semporna, Lahad Datu baseless",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/esscom-chief-claims-of-armed-men-entering-semporna-lahad-datu-baseless",
        "published": "2026-08-16T00:49:59.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}