Security in Straits of Malacca under control - MMEA

Security in the waters of the Straits of Malacca is under control as a result of continuous patrols and enforcement operations, as well as strong regional cooperation with neighbouring countries, said the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

Its director-general Rosli Abdullah said MMEA did not receive any reports regarding the incident in Pantai Remis, Perak, as claimed in several local media reports.

"On the contrary, the reported incident was a case of extortion by irresponsible parties from neighbouring countries against local fishing vessels in the grey area of the Straits of Malacca," he said in a statement today.

Rosli (above) said his party always strengthens cooperation with Indonesian authorities through initiatives such as joint patrols and special exercises in the Straits of Malacca every year.

According to him, the cooperation has reduced various threats, especially cross-border crime.

Based on the enforcement records of MMEA from 2006 to 2024, a total of 16,259 arrests have been recorded involving various offences at sea.

In addition, MMEA also succeeded in thwarting intrusions by foreign fishing vessels during that period by detaining 1,789 vessels along with 15,162 crew members who trespassed into the country's waters.

Continuous patrolling, monitoring

Yesterday, Pantai Remis assemblyperson Wong May Ing said fisherfolk in Pantai Remis, Manjung were facing the threat of piracy from Indonesia which has become increasingly prevalent lately.

Rosli said MMEA has assured that patrols and monitoring would continue to be intensified to ensure that the country's waters are safe from the threat of maritime criminals.

He also urged the fishing community to ensure that the Vessel Traffic System is always activated in addition to vessel owners providing Personal Locator Beacons to locate vessels in the event of an emergency.

"In addition, local vessel owners are recommended to install closed-circuit television cameras in their respective vessels to record any untoward incidents that occur while the vessel is at sea," he said.

He also asked the public to channel any information or suspicious activities to the authorities to ensure that the safety of the country's waters continues to be guaranteed.

- Bernama

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