NUNUKAN, Indonesia -- As expected, Malaysians trying to flee deadly clashes between Malaysian security forces and followers of a claimant to an ancient sultanate have begun arriving in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, The Jakarta Globe reported on Thursday (March 7th).

North Sebatik ward Zulkifli said Malaysian nationals living near the Melayu River started crossing into Indonesia early this week, returning home soon after when the situation appeared to have stabilised.

"Some Malaysian citizens have started to enter Indonesian territory in Sebatik since the Malaysian security forces launched an attack against the Sulu sultanate forces," he told the Globe. "However, there weren't very many of them. They entered Sebatik when the situation heated up and returned when it cooled down."

He added that more security personnel were deployed along the border in anticipation of a Malaysian exodus, and that security check posts had been tightened.

Metrotvnews.com quoted Chief of Information Colonel Legowo as saying, "We are alerting troops and intelligence."

In addition, Nunukan regional government spokesman Hasan Basri said the administration had prepared areas to accommodate Indonesian migrant workers seeking refuge until the fighting ends.