Ninety-four illegal immigrants from Indonesia were deported to their country of origin via sea route from Tawau Port to Nunukan today.

Sabah National Security Council (MKN) director Sharifah Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof said it was the 21st series of deportation via sea routes involving the Filipinos and Indonesians this year.

“All those involved have been screened for COVID-19 before they were allowed to leave this country,” she said in a statement.

Sitti Saleha said the detainees were also required to follow the strict standard operating procedure on hygiene from their detention until deportation.

Today’s operation brings the number of illegal immigrants deported this year to 4,845.

Sitti Saleha said it was made possible with the cooperation of the Indonesian and Philippines governments.

-- BERNAMA