Security forces said there had been four attempts by terrorists from neighbouring Philippines to sneak into Malaysia's eastern Sabah state, including one possible try by Jemaah Islamiyah bomb-maker Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi.

Muhamad Yassin Yahya, fifth brigade commander, said, however, that all the attempted incursions were prevented due to the increased presence of security forces and their constant patrol of the eastern coastal waters of Sabah on Borneo island.

"We admit having heard of many attempts by terrorist groups to enter the country via the Sulu Sea and Sandakan but they failed because of tight Malaysian security," Muhamad Yassin said.