PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) capacity will be strengthened through the acquisition of new assets such as offshore patrol vessels, aircraft, and various infrastructure development, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He said the MMEA was conducting various operations such as Op Naga and Op Kuda Laut, and have successfully foiled many illegal fishing boats, drugs, and migrant-smuggling activities throughout last year.
Through Op Benteng, which was carried out with other government agencies, the MMEA successfully addressed the illegal entry of immigrants during the Covid-19 pandemic, the minister said.
“The government always recognises MMEA’s role at the country’s waters in ensuring the peace, security and wellbeing of the nation,” he said in his speech in conjunction with Maritime Malaysia’s 16th Anniversary celebration, which was streamed live via the MMEA’s Facebook page today.
“I’m also confident that the MMEA will seriously continue to discharge the duties and responsibilities entrusted upon them.”
Meanwhile, MMEA Director-General Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Zubil Mat Som said the agency had detained 75 foreign fishing boats and 820 crew members for encroaching the country’s waters with a total seizure amounted to RM112.5 million through Op Kuda Laut from June 24 until December 31 last year.
“Our commitment and seriousness in carrying out our tasks and responsibilities have been proven to yield success despite facing the Covid-19 infection risk,” he said.
According to Zubil, 31 MMEA staff and 20 family members who contracted Covid-19 have fully recovered.
“What I want to emphasise here is that this is a reflection of the MMEA members’ seriousness in combating the encroachment threats although we are also dealing with the Covid-19 risks,” he said.
In conjunction with Maritime Malaysia’s 16th Anniversary celebration themed We Take It Seriously, 377 officers were named recipients of the excellent service award while nine officers and eight personnel were awarded the director-general appreciation ribbons. – Bernama, February 15, 2021
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