Four Filipinas caught trying to enter Sabah illegally
SANDAKAN: The marine police here detained four women believed to be illegal immigrants for trying to enter the state through Tanjung Aru waters on Monday.
Sabah Region Four marine police commander ACP Mohamad Pajeri Ali in a statement said the suspects, aged between 41 and 65, were detained about 2.30am.
Mohamad Pajeri said the speedboat ferrying the illegal immigrants was spotted moving slowly towards Tanjung Aru waters.
“Upon realizing the presence of the police, the boat immediately sped off but was pursued.
“The boat was later stranded at a coastal area after its skipper lost control,” he said, adding that some individuals, including the boat skipper, were seen fleeing from the boat towards the mangrove area and could not be found.
Mohamad Pajeri said an inspection on the boat found four women who did not have any valid identification documents.
The suspects also admitted to have entered the state from the Philippines.
Mohamad Pajeri said the suspects, and the seizure estimated at RM60,000, were later taken to the Sandakan marine police base for further action.
He added that the case was being investigated under AntiTrafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007 (Amendment 2010) and Immigration Act 1959/63.