KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Armed Forces arrested six illegal immigrants trying to enter the country via uncharted routes near Tanjung Ayam, here.

       The Third Malaysian Infantry Division Headquarters said the group was arrested after a patrol team noticed a bundle of wet clothes inside the jungle at the location.

       “The clothes were found at 8.30am and, following that, we deployed a search team around the area before finding the six suspects hiding in the bushes at 10.30am.

       "All of the immigrants are from Indonesia, consisting of five men and one woman aged between 18 and 41 years old," it said in a statement issued here on Friday (March 25).

       It added that the suspects have been handed over to Tanjung Sepang Tactical Headquarters in Bandar Penawar for investigation and documentation.

       “A police report has been lodged at the Bayu Damai Police Station and a Covid-19 screening test conducted at the Sungai Rengit Health Clinic revealed that all of the suspects were negative for Covid-19.

       “All of the suspects have been handed over to the Immigration department for further action,” it said, adding that the army also confiscated cash and a mobile phone.

       The Armed Forces have also deployed their Quick Reaction Force, drone team, and the Royal Malaysian Navy to continue monitoring the area for any intruders who might have slipped away.