KOTA TINGGI: An attempt by a group of illegal immigrants to flee the country via an uncharted route was foiled by the armed forces, here.

       The Third Malaysian Infantry Division headquarters said five illegals from Indonesia tried to escape through Ladang Kurnia.

       It said that the group was arrested by the Seventh Malaysian Infantry Brigade which was responsible for supervising the area during Ops Benteng.

       “The team was conducting surveillance in the area and saw suspicious movements around 1am on Sunday.

       “Upon inspection, the team found five people hiding on the beach at Jalan Kampung Punggai Desaru, near Ladang Kurnia.

       “All of them were arrested at around 1.30am,” a statement read.

       It said the immigrants comprised four men and a woman aged between 23 and 40.

       “We believe that the group was waiting for a boat to leave the country via an uncharted route. We also confiscated RM12,214 and 10 mobile phones,” it said.

       All suspects were brought to the Tanjung Sepang Tactical Headquarters in Bandar Penawar for Covid-19 screening before being handed over to the Immigration Department.

       The armed forces has also deployed its quick reaction force and drone unit under the Defence Intelligence Staff Division to continue monitoring the area for other immigrants who might have escaped.