KOTA TINGGI: Four illegal immigrants from Indonesia were arrested by the Malaysian Armed Forces for trying to enter the country via uncharted routes near Tanjung Sedili here.

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

       "Following a tip-off from villagers, a patrol team detected suspicious movement of people near a forest in Tanjung Sedili at 3.30am on Sunday (Jan 23). A Quick Reaction Force was then deployed to the area where we managed to arrest four men at 5.15am," it said in a statement here.

       The Division headquarters added that the four men are aged between 24 and 47 years old and said that they have since been handed over to Tanjung Sepang Tactical Headquarters in Bandar Penawar for investigation and documentation.

       "A police report has been lodged at the Kuala Sedili Police Station and the Covid-19 screening test conducted at the Sungai Rengit Health Clinic revealed that all of the suspects tested negative for Covid-19," it said.

       It added that all suspects have been handed over to the immigration department for further action, adding that army personnel also confiscated cash and a mobile phone.

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