The Malaysian security forces will continue with its operation as they believe that Agbimuddin Kiram, the leader of the Sulu terrorist, is still in the operation zone of Ops Daulat, said a top security official.

"We are confident and believe that he (Agbimuddin) is still in the red zone. We believe that Agbimuddin, as a leader, will not flee and leaving his members behind," said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib in a press conference this morning.

He added that the security at the sea is very tight and there is no way Agbimuddin could have escaped.

The Ops Daulat is now on its ninth day of operation. So far, 56 enemies were killed while there are nine security forces personnel were sacrificed during the Lahad Datu conflict.

There were also 97 detained under Section 130(C) of the Security Offences and Special Measures Act 2012.