In a statement today, the defence ministry said authorities also arrested three Malaysians believed to be the traffickers.

A motorcycle and a one tonne lorry used to transport the 18 immigrants were also confiscated.

Investigations found that the motorcycle rider acted as a look-out to ensure that the passages or “jalan tikus” used to transport the immigrants were clear of any border security officers.

A total of 17 men and one woman, aged between 19 and 49, were detained for trying to enter the country illegally. The suspected human traffickers, comprising two men and a woman, were also detained.

All were brought to the Lundu district police headquarters for further action.

Senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said yesterday that the authorities detained 20 undocumented migrants and seized two vehicles as part of Op Benteng.

He added that 175 vessels were detected around the country’s maritime borders on seven sighting activities.