KOTA KINABALU: Tan Sri Razaruddin Husain is firm that the marine police unit will remain part of the police.
The Inspector-General of Police stated that this decision is due to the unit's vital role in protecting the nation's waters, highlighting its excellent performance so far.
"For the police and its leadership, we maintain that the marine police must remain in the force, although there were discussions about placing the unit under the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency previously," he said on Saturday (Nov 23).
He made these remarks during a press conference after launching the 77th Marine Police Anniversary ceremony at the Region Four Marine Police Operations Base in the east coast Lahad Datu district.
Razaruddin noted that the marine police are collaborating with various agencies to safeguard security in eastern Sabah.
He cited the unit's successes, including a reduction in sea crimes and kidnapping incidents.
"There have been many issues faced, including the entry of undocumented migrants and kidnappings.
"But we have managed to reduce such incidents. Since 2020, there have been no incidents of kidnap for ransom," he said.
Razaruddin revealed that the marine police resolved 7,103 crime cases at sea between Jan 1 and Oct 31 this year.
These crimes involved smuggling of drugs, contraband items, subsidised goods, wildlife and marine life, as well as offences related to fisheries, human trafficking, and illegal entry.
"These cases have also resulted in the seizure of items or fines amounting to RM210mil during the same period," he said.
