LAHAD DATU: Two Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel were injured following a shootout off Kunak waters on Sunday morning.
Lahad Datu Zone Maritime Director Commander Dr Suzanna Razali Chan said the injured personnel were Zainal Abad Komel, 45, who suffered injuries on his right eye and Prayrie De Cuella Jimin, 35, who sustained injuries on both hands during the shootout.
Zainal Abad was the Banggi 48 boat’s chief, while Prayrie was the crew. Four personnel onboard escaped unscathed during the 8.40am incident.
“Based on the preliminary report, three men armed with guns fired four shots towards the Banggi 48 boat when the team attempted to approach the blue colour boat with the outboard engine for inspection under Op Khas Pagar Laut at 0.2 nautical miles northeast of Kampung Pangi, Kunak.
“When the team attempted to approach the boat, the suspect fired shots to avoid being approached by our men. The suspects managed to escape while operating the boat,” she said, Sunday.
MMEA has mobilised the Special Action Team and Rescue, Aircraft and Maritime Intelligence Division following the incident.
