IGP: Armed foreigners who landed in Lahad Datu surrounded by security forces

PETALING JAYA: A group of armed foreigners who landed in Lahad Datu, Sabah on Tuesday has been surrounded by Malaysian security forces.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said security forces surrounded the area when the intruders, believed to be from the Philippines, landed on Tuesday morning.

"They have been directed to put down their weapons and surrender," he said in a statement Wednesday.

Ismail said the intrusion was related to problems in southern Philippines.

"The situation is under control and the public need not be unduly worried," he said.

Earlier Wednesday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi said he had ordered Armed Forces chief Jen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin to take immediate action together with the police over the matter, to ensure the country's defences and security were at the optimum level.

"We will seek cooperation from neighbouring countries. I will also ask the Armed Forces chief to give a detailed report on the situation there when possible," he added.