2,234 illegals detained in 'Op Benteng' from May 1-July 14

The authorities detained 1,598 illegal immigrants, 526 skippers, and 110 smugglers between May 1 and yesterday in 'Op Benteng', said Senior Minister (Security Cluster), Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said seized during the operation were 54 boats and 156 vehicles which tried to sneak into this country through its borders.

"Yesterday, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) mounted 68 'Op Benteng' roadblocks nationwide and checked 37,001 vehicles in preventing the entry of illegals, especially via the rat trails.

"Five foreigners were arrested for immigration-related offences (at these roadblocks)," he said today in a statement on the Recovery Movement Control order (RMCO) developments.

'Op Benteng' involves PDRM, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKSEM), to ensure the country's borders are safeguarded and to curb cross-border crimes and the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri said 52 individuals were arrested yesterday for violating the RMCO, and out of this number, 11 were remanded, one released on police bail and another 40 were fined.