Day 23 of Ops Daulat

There was no further bloodshed on Day-23 of Ops Daulat but security forces stumbled upon three roaming terrorists in the early morning.

A firefight ensued, near Sungai Bilis in Lahad Datu, and ended promptly with the terrorists ditching their weapons and fleeing the scene.

The authorities today also decided that Kampung Tanduo, the location where the intruders first landed on Feb 9, must be closed-off and residents there resettled elsewhere.

The ‘mopping up’ exercise -- in the areas of Tanjung Labian, Tanagian and Sungai Bilis-- continued.

Kampung Tanjung Batu, on the other hand, is now ‘free from threat’ and the authorities are discussing the possibility of allowing folk to return to their homes.

The death toll remains at 67 terrorists killed and 10 Malaysian security personnel.

There are 119 suspected terrorists or associates arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012; while 316 others arrested for various offences. Eight were charged in court.

Meanwhile, an internal investigation carried out by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) concluded that there is possibility that the Sultanate of Sulu had received "help and support" from unidentified parties for its Sabah intrusion.

Filipino media reported that Philippine government agencies have been reminded by its Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) not to refer to Sabah as a part of Malaysia.