In a recent shootout in waters off Sabah’s east coast Kunak, a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel was injured in the eye, resulting in the loss of sight in his left eye. MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin confirmed that Petty Officer Zainal Abad Komel, 45, is now blind in his left eye after undergoing surgery at Lahad Datu district hospital.
Admiral Hamid visited the injured personnel in the hospital and stated that doctors have confirmed the permanent loss of sight in one eye due to a nerve hit by the bullet. Despite this, Zainal’s condition is stable, and his right eye is unaffected. Expressing concern over the seriousness of the incident, Admiral Hamid addressed the media in Lahad Datu on Monday.
Another injured MMEA personnel, Leading Rate Prayrie De Cuella Jimin, 35, who sustained injuries in both hands, is also reported to be in stable condition. Admiral Hamid revealed that the suspects responsible for the shooting are linked to a smuggling group engaged in cross-border criminal activities in the Suba Duyung and Batik Parang areas.
These criminal groups have been identified by both MMEA and local police authorities. To combat this threat, a joint operation involving Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), police, Royal Malaysian Navy, and Joint Task Force 2 (ATB2) has been initiated, mobilizing a considerable number of assets.
Multiple ships and boats from various maritime and security agencies are being deployed from Lahad Datu to Semporna, Kunak, and Tawau under ESSCom’s jurisdiction. ESSCom Commander Datuk Victor Sanjos mentioned that one of the suspects is a foreign national on the wanted list.
Eyewitnesses have identified one suspect, with efforts underway to identify the remaining gunmen. The authorities are actively pursuing the suspects, with a focus on capturing the wanted individual involved in the recent incident. All assets within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (EssZone) are being utilized to locate and apprehend the suspect.
The incident occurred during an exchange of fire in the early hours of Sunday off Kampung Pangi Kunak, resulting in injuries to the MMEA personnel. The authorities are working diligently to address the security threats posed by such criminal activities in the region.
