By MOHD SHUKRI ISHAK

MANILA, Monday 9 August 2010 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the Philippines have expressed commitment in ensuring security at the border and in tackling illegal immigration, Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Zahid said the matter was among the issues discussed during a meeting with Philippine national defence secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin.

"There will be a follow up visit by the Malaysian foreign minister and home minister to show Malaysia's commitment in collaborating with the Philippines in the effort to enhance stability at the border," he told Malaysian journalists here.

Zahid, who earlier called on Gazmin, is on a two-day visit to this country.

Tomorrow, he would proceed to Mindanao to present humanitarian aid to the local community.

Zahid also said that security at the Malaysia-Philippines border was under control.

"The Malaysian security forces have been monitoring the waters in the east coast of Sabah, through the security operation known as the Ops Pasir, to maintain security in the area and prevent illegal immigrants from crossing the border," he said.

The Ops Pasir was launched in September 2000.

Zahid said during the meeting today, they agreed to further enhance ties including in terms of joint-exercise between the security forces of both countries.

In Mindanao tomorrow, Zahid is scheduled to receive a briefing on the operations of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team which monitors the implementation of the cessation of hostilities between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).