Chief of defence forces Affendi Buang said the NTF, which was set up on an ad hoc basis, had been effective in efforts to curb the entry of illegal immigrants through Op Benteng since Covid-19 hit the country.

“If it is to be changed to another name after this, it is likely to involve some changes in the organisational structure.

“Although there may be some structural changes, its concept (integrated operations with other enforcement agencies) will be maintained,” he told Bernama during his recent visit to the KD Lekiu vessel off the coast of Selangor today.

On the numerous attempts by illegal immigrants to enter the country recently, Affendi said the NTF had mobilised additional assets to intensify Op Benteng.

He said several locations in Selangor had been identified as staging points of cross-border crimes or locations used by smugglers to carry out activities on the west coast of the peninsula.

“Most of the cases in Selangor involved border encroachment attempts by illegal immigrants using local or foreign fishing boats,” he said.

Meanwhile, Affendi said from January to June, NTF managed to foil attempts by 1,021 foreigners to enter the country illegally.

He added that 1,739 foreigners had also been detained while attempting to enter the country from July to Dec 21 this year.