PUTRAJAYA: The authorities have detained 1,391 illegal immigrants and 235 tekong (boat captains) who had attempted to enter the country illegally via rat lanes between May 1 and yesterday in Ops Benteng.
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said enforcement agencies also arrested 91 individuals on suspicion of smuggling and seized 46 vessels.
"Ops Benteng involves the Armed Forces, police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKSEM), who joined forces to ensure the country's borders are safeguarded; and to eliminate cross-border crimes and to prevent the spread of Covid-19," he told a press conference today.
The police also mounted 68 Ops Benteng roadblocks nationwide and checked 38,393 vehicles.
Seven foreigners were arrested for immigration related offences at these roadblocks, he said.
"The government will take stern action against anyone attempting to cross the border illegally and will not compromise with those involved in the smuggling of illegal immigrants into the country," he added.