MMEA’s search and rescue operation reduced
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has carried out less search and rescue (SAR) operation this year when compared to last year, said its director-general Datuk Seri Zulkifili Abu Bakar.
For the first nine months of this year, only 27 operations were conducted as compared to 283 cases last year.
“This shows a reduction of 256 SAR cases conducted, which is a great achievement by the agency,” he said.
Zulkifili noted, however, that the increase in SAR operations last year were mainly due to the catamaran boat disaster at Pulau Mengalum in January 2017.
“Patrol operation for the first nine months of this year also saw about 245 arrests made by my men for numerous marine offences that include fish bombing, illegal entry of foreign vessels, smuggling of goods and many more,” he said.
Zulkifili disclosed this after witnessing the handing over of MMEA Sabah and Labuan regional director post between outgoing Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Zubil Mat Som and Rear Admiral Kamaruszaman Abu Hassan yesterday.
Meanwhile, Zulkifili said the agency would continue its Ops Armada to address the issue of foreign vessels entering illegally into the country.
“Most of the detained foreign vessels are from Vietnam and we have had several meetings with other agencies, including the Fisheries and Marine Departments, to assist us,” he said.