'35 Sulu intruders shot dead, wanted to disrupt GE13'

Armed forces shot dead 35 Sulu intruders from the Filipino islands on Saturday in a firefight after intercepting them in an attempt to enter Sabah waters.

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) believe that the group had wanted to create chaos in in Sabah East coast and obstruct the 13th General Election process on May 5, said caretaker Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

“We received information that another group will be moving into Sabah but the actions of the Prime Minister to set up the ESSCOM and expand the areas to ESSZONE including 1,400km in the East Coast to stop their entry,” said Ahmad Zahid.

The minister thanked the navy, including the Philippine navy and Philippine coast guard which had given close cooperation to the Malaysian government, particularly the MAF and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

It was previously reported that the Philippine security forces shot dead 35 members of the Kiram terrorists, led by its senior leader Kalling Amirul.

The fierce battle at Sibutu Island, the Philippines last Saturday, took place before the group managed to encroach and attack the Sabah east coast,

In the clash, two members of the Philippine security forces were reportedly killed, and the Philippine security forces had also seized more than 20 M16 and Garand rifles.

Ahmad Zahid also gave an assurance on the security of voters throughout Malaysia, particularly those located in Sabah and that they could discharge their voting rights safely on May 5.