KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian security forces have been placed on high alert off the coast of Sabah for those fleeing the southern Philippines in the wake of an all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf.
Sea routes, landing points and other hotspots are being closely monitored by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) together with the police, armed forces and the coastguard or Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Esscom Commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said they are ready to stave off the influx of people and criminal elements fleeing southern Philippines, where President Rodrigo Duterte had ordered an all out war against the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Basilan.
"Esscom with cooperation from other security agencies will tighten security in districts identified as hotspots as well as the cross-border routes used by smugglers and transporters of illegal immigrants," he said.
Since Aug 27, a total of 22 illegal immigrants have arrested and 13 pump boats, vessels powered by modified water pumps with long propellers often used by Filipinos, were recovered by Esscom.
Over RM50,000 worth of subsidised goods and over 20 gm of syabu were also seized. The arrest and seizures were made in waters off Sandakan, Kudat, Lahad Datu and Semporna.
Duterte had declared a nationwide "state of lawlessness" after an explosion killed at least 14 people and injured more than 60 in his hometown on Friday night. The Abu Sayyaf had claimed responsibility for the attack.