KOTA KINABALU: Security forces in Sabah's east coast foiled an attempt to enter Semporna by two boats ferrying 42 illegal immigrants.

       The two boats - carrying 14 men, 10 women, 10 boys and eight girls - were escorted back into international waters by the army's Quick Response Force (QRF) during an operation on Wednesday (Dec 15).

       The immigrants were only carrying personal items and did not have any weapons or contraband when checked, the Armed Forces Joint Task Force 2 (ATB 2) Commander Brig Gen Abdul Karim Ahmad said in a statement Thursday (Dec 16).

       He said the two boats were among three boats first spotted by the Air Force's C-130H aircraft personnel during aerial reconnaissance and patrol.

       The boats were heading towards Bangau Bangau island in Semporna from the direction of southern Philippines island of Sitangkai, he said.

       The information was immediately relayed to the Joint Operational Command Centre, who despatched the Navy's KD Baung to monitor its movement until the Quick Response Force (VIPER) intercepted them.

       However, he said one of the boats managed to flee the security forces and fled back towards the international sea border.

       Brig Gen Abdul Karim said the operation's success reflected the close cooperation between the armed forces in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone.

       "Such operations are being continued to ensure the security of the country's borders in an effort to curb cross-border crime and also to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

       He said that the security forces were constantly increasing their level of operational readiness from time to time.