Police have recorded statement from 18 people in connection with the case of Datu Mohd Akjan Ali Muhammad who was recently proclaimed as the 'Sultan of Sulu'.

"They include the subject's family members, individuals or witnesses who can help us to investigate the case," said CID director Mohd Bakri Zinin.

"Sabah police had briefed me on the case. We have not detained anyone," he told a press conference in conjunction with Malaysia-Singapore CID Liaison Meeting in Kota Kinabalu today.

Asked whether police would question people in Sulu, he said, "We will do so if there is a a need.

NONE Police had yet to record a statement from Mohd Akjan ( left ), who is Malaysian.

Bakri said the investigation also did not involve the Philippine government as it was a national problem.

The Malaysia-Singapore CID Liaison Meeting starting today is held only for the second time in Sabah.

He said the Royal Malaysian Police and Singapore Police Force had always enjoyed good relationship and cooperation since the meeting began in the 1950s.

Meanwhile, Singapore CID director Hoong Wee Teck said issues discussed include crossborder crimes, sharing of intelligence and best practices.

"Human trafficking is a worldwide concern for enforcement agencies. For Malaysia and Singapore, we see ourselves more like a transit point rather than destinations for traffickers and migrants.

"We share intelligence and discuss the modus operandi adopted by syndicates to enhance enforcement," he added.

-Bernama