Australian ship calls at Swettenham Pier

GEORGE TOWN: The Australian vessel Ocean Shield, which was involved in the search for MH370, called at Swettenham Pier here yesterday during an AustraliaMalaysia Maritime law enforcement exercise.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) deputy director-general of operations Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Taha Ibrahim said the exercise was the latest maritime security awareness initiative by the Malaysian Coast Guard supported by Australian Border Force.

He said the exercise, which saw about 100 personnel from the two agencies exchanging theory and practical skills, was launched at Boustead Cruise Centre in Port Klang, Selangor, on Oct 9 before ending in Penang yesterday.

He added the country’s maritime personnel were taught safe boarding techniques, firefighting skills and searchand-rescue operations.

He said it has also strengthened the relationship between the two agencies, which will prove beneficial in future.

“It helps our men a lot in terms of teamwork and experience,” he told a press conference after closing the 9th Redback exercise in Swettenham Pier.

Eight such exercises have been run since 2013. Australia’s Maritime Border Command chief Rear Admiral Peter Laver said regional cooperation between maritime law and enforcement agencies is important.

“Many smugglers seek to exploit any lack of cooperation across international borders,” he said, adding the exercise helped improve coordination.