KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Armed Forces has foiled an attempt by 28 Indonesians to enter the country illegally through the Bio-Desaru organic food valley in Bandar Penawar here.

       The Third Malaysian Infantry Division Headquarters said the group was arrested by the Seventh Malaysian Infantry Brigade, responsible for supervising the area during Ops Benteng.

       “The team was conducting surveillance in the area and saw a suspicious-looking boat at about 1.30am on Monday (Sept 6). Upon inspection, the team found 28 people hiding on the beach at Jalan Tanjung Balau-Sedili Kecil (Bio-Desaru). All of them were arrested at about 2.30am,” it said in a statement.

       It added that the illegal immigrants comprised 25 men and three women, aged 17 to 51 years.

       “We believe that the group just arrived in the country via an uncharted route.

       “We also confiscated cash amounting to RM17,575 and 23 mobile phones,” it said.

       All the suspects have been brought to the Tanjung Sepang Tactical Headquarters in Bandar Penawar for Covid-19 screening before they will be handed over to the Immigration Department.

       The Armed Forces has also deployed its Quick Reaction Force to continue monitoring the area for any intruders who might have slipped away.