PUTRAJAYA: A total of 2,648 foreigners were arrested for attempting to enter the country illegally, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Senior Minister (Security) said on Tuesday (Aug 4) that between May 1 and Aug 3, authorities also detained 609 tekongs (skippers) and 157 smugglers.
Police also seized 105 vessels and 278 vehicles during the Ops Benteng exercise to curb illegal entry of foreigners via illegal routes.
Ops Benteng involves the police, Armed Forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Border Security Agency (Aksem).
Ismail said on Aug 3, five foreign nationals were arrested for immigration violations at 64 roadblocks held nationwide.
Authorities checked 29,408 vehicles at these checkpoints held to stop the entry of illegal immigrants.
"The government will take stern action against any parties that attempt to infiltrate our borders.
The public can report these activities via the National Task Force hotline," he said.
