Sandakan: The number of foreign boats detected or attempted influx by illegals into the State's waters has seen a significant reduction since the auxiliary naval vessel, Tun Azizan, arrived at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) here in June last year.
Navy Chief Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said he was happy with the performance of the vessel as a base for frontline operations.
"Numerous entry attempts by illegal foreigners have been stopped since the vessel took base in waters off here," he said during his visit to the vessel docked in Berhala waters, on Saturday.
