State chief: MMEA aims to be Asia’s best coast guard
KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency ( MMEA) conducted 3,600 inspections and increased the number of arrests made by 14 per cent last year.
According to MMEA Sarawak chief First Admiral ( M) Ismaili Bujang Pit, the number of inspections conducted on boats in the nation’s waters had registered an increase of 25 per cent compared to the number registered in 2015.
“The law abiding index at sea was recorded at 97.5 per cent, which is considered excellent. Also, MMEA made 90 arrests in connection with various offences in 2016,” he said at the MMEA Sarawak’s 12th anniversary celebration at Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex in Muara Tebas near here yesterday.
Ismaili said in line with MMEA’s aims to be the best coast guard in Asia, they needed the cooperation from all personnel to work together towards achieving the organisational goals and objectives.
On another matter, Ismaili said MMEA Sarawak would see an expansion to its state facility with the construction of a maritime complex in Miri.
“To be built in the next five years at a cost of RM130 million, the Miri complex will house our f leet, administrative building and staff quarters,” he said.
Additionally, Ismaili said MMEA Sarawak would soon receive two new vessels to enhance their patrol over the state’s waters.
“We currently have 35 assets comprising vessels, and with the additional two patrol vessels, we are confident of providing added security over the state waters,” he said.
Ismaili also said the recent presentation of Enforcement Excellence Awards (AKP) to MMEA Sarawak, their personnel were now in ‘high morale’ mode and had pledged to give their best this year.
The event yesterday also hosted the presentation of medals of appreciation to 11 MMEA officers who were involved in ‘Ops Daulat’ in Lahad Datu in 2013, and the ‘Best Sarawak Region Maritime’ boat, which were presented by Ismaili.
The MMEA Open Day – running till tomorrow – is hosting a number of activities such as a fishing competition, sales booth and the intake of members for the MMEA Volunteer Squad.