Malaysia has directed its armed forces to step up sea patrols in eastern Sabah state to prevent arms smuggling following the seizure of a large arms cache in the area.

"We will beef up patrols in areas where, based o­n our intelligence, such activities are likely to take place," Defence Minister Najib Razak was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

The move follows the military's recent seizure of a large arms cache, including 500 detonators and 216 bullets, and the detention of 22 Filipinos off Sabah's coastal town of Sandakan.

They were believed to have dumped more weapons into the sea before they were detained by military officials but Najib said army divers sent to the area had yet to recover any firearms.

Sabah, o­n Borneo island, is located a short boat ride from the Philippine province of Mindanao where government forces are battling Muslim separatists.

Unknown intruders

Only last week, Malaysian and Philippines security officials met in Kuala Lumpur and pledged to exchange intelligence in an attempt to crush cross-border crime.

But the porous nature of the border makes arms trafficking, piracy and the entry of illegal Filipinos into Malaysia problematic.

It is unclear if the intruders are members of the Jemaah Islamiyahregional terror network or part of the Philippines Muslim rebels, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

But officials fear they are escaping the current military offensive in southern Philippines and that the weapons are meant for terrorist attacks.

Malaysia has arrested more than 80 JI members, including some in Sandakan and other parts of Sabah state. - AFP