KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 120 illegal immigrants who were without any valid documents were detained nationwide in Op Benteng yesterday.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said another two boat captains were also detained during the operation.
"Out of those detained, police arrested nine illegal immigrants in Pengkalan Kubor, Kelantan, for entering the country via an illegal route.
"An armed forces team detained another five foreigners without valid documents in Teluk Penawar, Bandar Penawar, Johor. They also seized three boats and four vehicles," he said in a statement today.
Overall, 79 roadblocks were set up on Tuesday involving the police (57), Malaysian Border Security Agency (10) and the armed forces (12).
He said the government will ensure to impose strict action towards any individuals who tried to enter the country illegally and will closely monitor the borders especially in areas with rat lanes.
On the number of people returning from overseas, Ismail Sabri said a total of 29,438 individuals had arrived in Malaysia between July 24 until Sept 15 and underwent quarantine.
These people were placed at 72 hotels and eight other premises including the public training institute as well as the private learning institutions in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Johor, Sarawak, Kelantan, Perak, Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu, Sabah and Labuan.
"Out of that total, 9,737 individuals are currently facing the mandatory quarantine process, while 71 have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
"Those discharged and allowed home was 19,630. The people who arrived home from abroad come from 32 countries."
The countries are the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Brunei, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, India, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, Iran, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Timor Leste, Taiwan, China, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Egypt, Spain, France, Australia, New Zealand and the United States .
On essential items, Ismail Sabri said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry conducted its daily checks over 12 types of goods at 654 business premises, comprising etailers (455), wholesalers (169) and manufacturers (30).
"The overall supply of essential items is adequate and able to continuously meet the needs of the country.
"The ministry's enforcement officers have also conducted 1,335 special inspections to monitor compliance with Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) standard operating procedures. It found that 1,316 premises complied with the prescribed directive, while 19 premises were advised against their non-compliance.
"During the RMCO, the government urged traders and the public to always practise self-control including physical distancing and continue maintaining good personal hygiene especially in the buying and selling of daily necessities," he said.