KOTA KINABALU: Eleven individuals detained for crossing into the Philippine border will be flown to Manila for further processing before repatriation, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He was commenting on the incident involving undocumented foreign nationals, including eight Chinese nationals and three Malaysian citizens, in the Tugayo Hunasan Waters, Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines, on Sept 1.
"I was informed that they will be flown to Manila tomorrow morning for the process of document checks or verification, which will then lead to deportation," he told reporters at the launch of the 2024 Convention on Combating Human Trafficking and Forced Labour Crimes at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
Saifuddin said he was informed that an additional four Malaysians were being detained at a similar location off the southern Philippines.
These individuals are connected to the boats involved in the border violation.
"The four detainees are associated with the boat's owner, as the incident pertains to vessels operating in Philippine waters. The Philippine authorities are expected to hold accountable those involved in the border breach," he said.
Yesterday, the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry responded to the incident by suspending the operating licence of Borneo Vac Travel Sdn Bhd.
This suspension will remain until the investigation is concluded and that the agency is proven not to be involved in any illegal activities.