Almost 400 undocumented immigrants detained trying to enter M'sia

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 386 immigrants and 108 "tekong" have been detained for attempting to enter the country illegally, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Defence Minister said authorities also arrested 11 human smugglers and seized 13 ships as part of the operation codenamed "Ops Benteng" since May 1.

"The government always monitors and looks to strengthen border security, especially at 'lorong tikus' (hidden passage).

"Ops Benteng involved various authorities including police and the Armed Forces. We will take stern action against any party who attempts to enter the country illegally," he told reporters during his daily briefing on Monday (June 8).

On another matter, 60 people were detained on Sunday (June 7) for violating the conditional movement control order (MCO), he added.

"53 of them were remanded while seven were granted police bail.

"The police also issued 277 compounds on various violations of the conditional MCO, including 34 compounds issued at roadblocks," he said.

Ismail Sabri said the compliance operation task force performed 75,182 checks on Sunday while police conducted 133 interstate roadblocks and inspected 194,450 vehicles.

"We hope the people can comply with the standard operating procedures for the greater good," he added.