SEMPORNA: The Marine Police Force (MPF) foiled an attempt by 23 illegal immigrants to enter the State via Semporna waters on Friday.
Sabah (Region Four) Marine Police Commander ACP Mohd Nazri Ibrahim said a team on patrol duty at Pantau-Pantau waters detected a suspicious speedboat at 2pm.
He said the boat was intercepted and upon inspection found 23 individuals on board, believed to be from a neighbouring country.
“All the individuals were detained for further investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007 and the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he added.
He also said the marine police would continue to intensify patrol in Sabah waters, especially in areas identified as hotspots for smuggling migrants and contraband.
Mohd Nazri also urged the public to report smuggling or suspicious activities to the authorities so that appropriate action to combat them.
