KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has paid tribute to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), saying the agency has shown that it has capabilities on par with other enforcement agencies in the country.
The Home Minister said this after the MMEA, also known as the Malaysia Coast Guard, recorded 1,143 arrests for various offences through its operations for the whole of last year.
The minister expressed his approval towards the commitment by the agency in looking after the security of the country’s maritime areas.
“I was informed that last year alone, almost RM4.8mil in items seized were recorded while over RM45mil in fines and compounds were issued to offenders detained by the MMEA.
“For these figures, the MMEA has proven that it had the capabilities and expertise to rival the other enforcement agencies in the country,” he said after launching the fleet review event of the agency’s sea, air and land assets in the Sandakan east coast district on Saturday (Feb 11).
This event was held in conjunction with the MMEA’s 18th anniversary.
Also present were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah and MMEA director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Zubil Mat Som.
In a press conference later, Saifuddin said he was confident the agency could continue to safeguard the country’s waters as well as carrying out search and rescue operations at sea due to it having the latest assets.
But at the same time, he said, efforts will be made to add on their assets as well as upgrading existing ones so that the agency would be sufficiently equipped to execute its duties, particularly in looking after the more than 6,000km-long Sabah coastline.
“There will be announcements on new assets soon. A total of 11 vessels, three aircraft and four escort boats were involved in the march past just now. These were part of the MMEA’s assets used in their duties and operations,” Saifuddin said.
Sticking to the previous theme of “Kami Serius Melaksanakannya” (We Are Serious To Implement), the MMEA intended to inspire dedication and drive its workforce to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to the agency.
During this year’s celebration, the agency also held a maritime exercise in Sabah waters.
It involved training that was aimed at improving the competency of the agency’s sea and air assets in the fight against crime in maritime areas.
Besides that, the public who attended the event was also treated to a demonstration by the Special Task and Rescue unit, exhibitions by government agencies as well as free health screenings.
