MMEA records RM9 million seizures

PUTRAJAYA: The phased implementation of Op Khas Pagar Laut from March 18 to April 16 has resulted in RM9 million in total seizures and 121 arrests from 145 cases involving various offences.

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) acting director-general Rear Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said the seized items include boats, fish, controlled items such as cooking oil and rice, and contraband such as cigarettes and drugs.

“The violations detected include offences under the Fisheries Act 1985, Control of Supplies Act 1961, Immigration Act 1959/63, Customs Act 1967, Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, Sabah Post and Harbours Enactment 2002, Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and the Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.”

He said phase three of the operation recorded 55 arrests and 69 cases involving various offences, including 37 cases under the Fisheries Act 1985, three under the Control of Supplies Act 1961, nine under the Immigration Act 1959/63, three under the Customs Act 1967, seven under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, eight under the Sabah Post and Harbours Enactment 2002 and one each under the Penal Code and Control of Padi and Rice Act 1994.

Saiful added that the operation has been extended, with phase four carried out from April 17 to 30 to strengthen security at sea, especially at hotspots nationwide after

Aidilfitri celebrations.

He said MMEA would focus on cross-border criminal activities, especially cases involving illegal immigrants and smuggling of contraband and controlled items. – Bernama