A forensic officer who was sent into Kampung Tanduo to gather evidence in the mop-up operation was attacked by remnants of the intruders, revealed Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

"There were two, three of them (intruders) who managed to escape our operation yesterday...

"Just very recently, in a situation where clearance was already issued and the area assumed to be safe, our (police) criminal investigations department and forensic teams went in but were attacked," Hishammuddin said.

“This is why we want to give as much space as possible for our security officers to conduct their mopping operation,” he said.

Elaborating in another press conference later today, inspector-general of police Ismail Omar said no fewer than 10 police officers were there when they were fired upon.

“Our team was there to take out the bodies (discovered there) and were fired upon but thank God, no one was hit,” he said.

Security forces guarding the team had then reacted swiftly and returned fire, he said.

According to a statement by Sabah police, the incident took place around 1.45pm.

Explaining the encounter, Armed forces chief Gen Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the shootout happened in two areas in Kampung Tanduo.

“The enemy fled into the shrubs in Kampung Tanduo,” he said, adding that there were no casualties or injuries suffered by the Malaysian security forces.

Aside from the weapons discovered today, Zulkefeli said security forces were looking for more that could even be buried in the ground.

9 bodies were from Friday skirmish, says forces chief

Photos released of 13 dead intruders

CID, forensic teams attacked in 'safe zone'

Security forces move into Tanjung Batu, more killed

One intruder believed dead in fresh clash in Lahad Datu

Security forces widen search for escapees

Displaced villagers plead for food supplies

Ops Daulat continues, situation under control

Malaysia hunts missing invaders as more fighters join

Sulu prince and group unscathed, have enough food

Anwar pours scorn on gov't handling of Lahad Datu

Ex-army chief rues lack of clear chain of command

Military rank confusion in partisan times

Pakatan MPs keep push for emergency session

'Explain delay which led to lost lives in Sabah'

Filipino cops block attempts to reinforce Sulu intruders

Manila denies calling intruders 'terrorists'

Filipinos flee hostilities in northern Borneo standoff

Could Sabah become a regional flashpoint?

Donation drive for families of policemen killed in Sabah

Walking in their shoes

Initial miscalculation may have cost lives

Strike on Sulu invaders is better late than never