MMEA makes 16 arrests in Sabah, Labuan
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has recorded 50 arrests for various offenses with an estimated seizure value of over RM4.5 million during the weeklong Op Khas Pagar Laut which was carried out nationwide.
MMEA director-general Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin said of the figure, MMEA Sabah and MMEA Labuan recorded 16 arrests with a seizure value of almost RM400,000. He said the cases were under the Fisheries Act 1985, Immigration Act 1959/63, Control of Supplies Act 1961, Customs Act 1967, Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department (JPDS) Enactment.
“This operation was reactivated throughout the country including Sabah and Sarawak in an effort to curb and fight cross-border criminal activities, especially in hotspot areas during the months of Ramadan and Syawal,” he said in a press conference during his visit to Op Khas Pagar Laut I/2024 near Sepanggar waters here on Monday.
Hamid said this special operation is carried out in four phases, starting with Phase I, which is preparation collection of information and readiness of assets from March 12 to March 17, followed by Phase II, which is enforcement before the festival from March 18 to April 1st, while Phase III includes enforcement during the festival from April 2 to April 16, and lastly Phase IV which is enforcement after the festival from April 17 to 30.
He said the recorded success is proof that MMEA officers and personnel carry out the tasks entrusted to them with high commitment and integrity, and he called on to them to continue the momentum so that this responsibility continues to gain the trust of the government and the safety and order of the people is maintained.
During his visit, Hamid delivered Hari Raya packages to Kapal Maritime (KM) Arau personnel through its commanding officer Maritime Captain Solehudin Zakaria as well as to other commanding officers of KMs who are conducting operations in Sabah. He hoped that the gift can cheer up the officers and personnel who are currently on duty away from their families in conjunction with this celebration.