During Ops Khas Pagar Laut nationwide, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained 63 individuals and seized items worth RM5 million.
Speaking on board the KM Tun Fatimah offshore patrol vessel (OPV), Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the operations were part of MMEA’s efforts to prevent and combat cross-border crimes.
Saifuddin highlighted the potential risks and significant losses the country could suffer if criminal activities and law violations at sea are not addressed.
He emphasized the importance of MMEA’s operational capabilities in achieving successful outcomes in these operations.
Furthermore, he directed all agencies under the Ministry to enhance surveillance and monitoring nationwide, including border areas, to effectively tackle dynamic and complex security threats.
MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin mentioned that apart from enforcement actions, the agency is also prepared to conduct search and rescue missions in case of incidents involving vessels transporting foreign nationals back to their home countries.
He expressed concerns over the safety of foreign nationals, especially illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries, who may take risks using unsafe boats or barges with no safety features and follow uncharted routes to return home.
These actions could jeopardize their safety.
