The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has detained more than 50 people who are suspected to have links with the armed Sulu intruders in East Sabah.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said the 50 were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

Ismail said they were detained for investigation purposes and to confirm certain information that the police has received regarding the invasion.

“The 50 people are a mixture of men and women. We detained them outside the operation areas in Sabah,” he said a press conference with Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin in Felda Sahabat 16 here today.

However, Ismail refused to elaborate more on the detention as he said it might interfere with the investigation.

Ismail also said he has not received any information from Wisma Putra on the Philippine government's request for its diplomat officers in Lahad Datu to be allowed to meet with Agbimuddin Kiram's detained followers.

Ismail added that the ‘Ops Daulat’ operation will be continued to reach its objective of wiping out the Sulu gunmen.