LAHAD DATU: The Lahad Datu Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) recorded 164 cases of arrest involving various offences in 2020 to 2024.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the offences committed under the Fisheries Act 1985, Immigration Act 1959/1963, Control of Supply Act 1961 as well as the Sabah Port and Harbour Enactment.
Dzulfikhar said, during the period, they had conducted a total of 34,049 inspections and 13,427 searches.
“We have also inspected over 12,000 individuals in 2024 and implemented 88 safety briefings (Preventive SAR) involving the maritime community as well as the governments and non-governmental agencies,” he said during the monitoring of hot spots in conjunction with the “Two Decades of Malaysian Maritime, the Shield of the Nation” celebration, on Saturday.
According to Dzulfikhar, MMEA would continue to strengthen the operational strategy and enforcement system as well as monitoring throughout the country to ensure the Malaysian Maritime Zone remains safe and free from any threat.
As one of the national’s shields on the waters, MMEA ensures the presence of assets at sea continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week through systematic patrols and operations.
Air monitoring by aircraft, information intelligence and comprehensive investigation against the maritime crime cases warrant every high-risk location to be identified and dealt with effectively.
To further strengthen maritime control, MMEA also strengthens cooperation with various agencies both inside and outside the country.
Integrated operation with the Royal Malaysian Police, the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Department of Fisheries and others prove MMEA’s commitment in defending the national waters from any threat.
“Especially since the establishment of Lahad Datu Maritime Zone on July 1, 2009, it has played an important role in strengthening maritime security controls in this area,” he said.
He said, the “Two Decades of Malaysian Maritime, the Shield of the Nation” shows the MMEA’s important role since its establishment in 2005.
As the enforcement agency that responsible in safeguarding the national waters, MMEA serves as the main defence fortress to ensure the national security and stability is always maintained.
In conjunction with the celebration, the Lahad Datu MMEA has carried out some programmes to commemorate the excellence achieved in these two decades.
“I would like to see MMEA continues to develop as a superior and authoritative maritime enforcement agency, both in national and international level.
“In facing the increasingly complex maritime security challenges, we need to continue strengthening operational capabilities, apply the latest technology and intensify strategic cooperation with various parties,” he added.
