SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) recorded 37 arrests in the Sandakan Maritime Zone during the first six months of this year, with seizures totalling over RM1.2 million.
Acting Maritime Malaysia Director General Rear Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said the number of arrest cases this year is almost equal to the number of arrest cases in 2022, which were 47 cases with seizure valued more than RM86,000 and 42 cases in 2023 valued more than RM270, 000.
He said that this success shows that Maritime Malaysia, especially the Sandakan Maritime Zone, is serious in combating criminal activities and misconduct at sea, particularly in Sandakan waters.
“The success of these arrest cases was also aided by information channelled by the public, especially the maritime community such as fishermen who know every movement and activity that occurs in the country’s waters,” he added.
He hoped the maritime community would continue to be the “eyes and ears” for Maritime Malaysia, so that misconduct and criminal activities at sea could be curbed, thus ensuring the safety and well-being of the country’s waters.
He said this when officiating the Sandakan Maritime Friends Expedition 2024 involving Pulau Shanghai, Kampung Terusan Baru and Pulau Timbang Sandakan at the SK Terusan Baru PIBG Hall, here, Sunday.
Also present were Sabah Motac Director Ibrahim Othman representing Motac Deputy Minister who is also Batu Sapi Member of Parliament Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, SK Terusan Baru Headmaster Osman Ghani, Sabah and Labuan Maritime Director First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik, Sandakan Maritime Zone Director Muhamad Suhairy Hussain, Sandakan Regional Forestry Officer Jurimin Ebin and others.
Saiful also presented safety jackets to the fishing community around the islands and villages.
He also planted trees at the school, which was also attended by representatives from the Sabah Forestry Department, in support of the Malaysian Greening Program effort with a target of 100 million trees for the period 2021-2025.
Meanwhile, Saiful hoped that community programmes like Maritime Friends, which have been implemented since 2007, could be carried out periodically.
“This is to further strengthen cooperation and understanding between Maritime Malaysia and the maritime community.”
The Maritime Friends Expedition Programme 2024 is a proactive step by Maritime Malaysia in strengthening relationships with the maritime community, raising awareness about the importance of maritime safety, and ensuring the country’s waters remain safe from threats of danger.
“Through various planned activities and programmes, Maritime Malaysia is confident and believes that the safety and well-being of the country’s waters will continue to be preserved,” he said.
Regarding current weather developments, they advised fishermen not to go to sea, especially small boat users, to avoid unwanted incidents.
He also advised all those using sea or river transportation to always wear safety jackets as they can at least help in emergency situations.
