KOTA TINGGI: The Armed Forces has detained 15 undocumented migrants including five Chinese nationals at Sedili Kecil here for entering the country illegally.

       The Third Malaysian Infantry Division headquarters in a statement on Sunday (Sept 19) said its observation post spotted a boat approaching the shore near Bio-Desaru at Jalan Tanjung Balau, Sedili Kecil at around 11pm on Saturday (Sept 18).

       "A team was sent to the location and found five Indonesian men, five Indonesian women and five men from China hiding by the shore.

       "We believe they had just entered the country through an uncharted route.

       "Initial investigations revealed that the five Chinese nationals were previously staying in Indonesia and wanted to return to their home country via Malaysia," it stated.

       The statement added that along with 15 suspects, aged 21 to 42 years old, a total of RM2,186.74 in Indonesian currency and 10 mobile phones were seized.

       The suspects were sent to the Tanjung Sepang tactical headquarters here for the necessary Covid-19 screening before handing them over to the Immigration Department for following actions, it added.