PUTRAJAYA: Although the agency primarily operates at sea, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is prepared to assist those affected by the Northeast Monsoon.
MMEA director-general, Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, stated during a media event at the Shapadu Shooting Range that they had previously provided support through their air wing.
"The Air Wing has helped deliver food aid to locations that are difficult to access by land or sea," he said.
"At sea, we focus on preventive search and rescue operations. We have issued early notices that any activities during this period must comply with procedures to prevent incidents."
Regarding new acquisitions to replace ageing assets, he mentioned that the MMEA expects the delivery of four helicopters by 2026.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) previously indicated that the East Coast states of Peninsular Malaysia, along with the northern and eastern regions of Sabah, are expected to receive 20% to 40% more rainfall during this year's Northeast Monsoon compared to last year.
MetMalaysia director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip attributed this increase to the simultaneous occurrence of the Northeast Monsoon and the La Niña phenomenon this year.
"This year, however, La Niña has taken over, and most long-term forecasts suggest we will receive 20% to 40% more rainfall than last year," he said after appearing as a guest on Bernama Radio on Thursday (Nov 7).