WHILE ordinary Malaysians relish the celebratory holiday season over this long Chinese New Year weekend, the nation’s security agencies have been put on alert for infractions and threats around the sensitive and open border regions.
In particular, the areas around the vast seas are understood to be especially eyed for intrusions and undesirable activities like smuggling and piracy during this time.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is working to further tighten control and optimise operations around the maritime areas, especially at the marine border zones during this period.
The intense campaign, which includes coast guard activities, covers extremely vast territories of water, with the Straits of Malacca on the west, the South China Sea in the north, and the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea on the east.
MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin said that patrols are being enhanced at sensitive areas and hotspots that have been identified.
He stressed that there is a pressing need to be on the alert for cross-border criminal activities and misconduct in maritime zones, and also be ready to take action when a situation arises.
A total of 800 officers and enforcement personnel have been assigned to carry out routine and special patrols.
They are being deployed together with an array of 45 fully capable assets like specialised sea vessels.
"This enforcement involves a total area on national waters covering 556,285 square kilometres.
"MMEA will not compromise and will proceed to take firm action against any party found to have committed an offence in the country's waters," he said in a statement today.
In light of this, the agency is calling on communities along the coasts and the seas, especially local residents, to continue to be the “eyes and ears” of the national enforcement authorities.
With sound cooperation accorded to the agency, it is hoped that it will be able to combat and fully deal with any misconduct and maritime crime.
During the last festive holiday period around Christmas, Hamid had advised those planning to organise and participate in sea activities to check the weather forecast issued by the Meteorological Department, especially considering the rough sea conditions influenced by the monsoon winds.
The MMEA also urged all parties heading to the sea to ensure their safety by wearing life jackets while sailing, fishing, or engaging in any activities involving movement at sea.
Those engaging in sea activities were also advised to carry a Personal Locator Beacon as it can assist and expedite search and rescue efforts at sea in case of emergencies, he had said.
Hamid also advised tourist boat operators to comply with all established maritime regulations and laws, including ensuring the maximum passenger capacity and providing sufficient life jackets for all passengers.
It has been announced that the MMEA will receive nine new interceptors and "next generation patrol" boats under Budget 2024.
The MMEA has welcomed the move to deliver these additional assets which will be used to bolster maritime security within the county’s waters.
The situation is especially pressing as the current maritime assets are insufficient to address present duties. In addition to that, the current boats and ships are ageing and maintenance is challenging.
The public can help channel information on any worrisome situation encountered by contacting the Maritime Operations Centre at 03-89434001 or any nearby State Maritime Operations Centre nationwide.– The Vibes, February 9, 2024
