LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Malaysian Maritime) will continue to enhance its operational readiness and presence in the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone, the waters of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), and the waters of the Federal Territory (FT) of Labuan to curb maritime crimes and safeguard the sovereignty of national waters.
Sabah and FT Labuan Maritime Director Maritime First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid@Razali, said the focus of operations is on hotspots based on intelligence and current arrest statistics.
He said Malaysian Maritime’s operational assets are equipped with weaponry such as automatic rifles and pistols, used in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the current threat level.
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Among the main identified threats are armed intrusions by external elements, smuggling of firearms and drugs, attempted kidnappings by cross-border organised crime groups, and smuggling of controlled goods such as subsidised cooking oil, petrol and diesel.
“The High Readiness Response approach continues to be adapted to ensure that maritime control remains at an optimum level,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Khairulanuar said Sabah Maritime recorded a total of 116 arrest cases in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan in the first six months of this year.
Sabah Maritime has also conducted six Search and Rescue (Carilamat or SAR) operations from January to June this year.
Mohd Khairulanuar also emphasised that Malaysian Maritime remains committed to protecting maritime communities and enforcing national laws without compromise.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity or maritime emergencies to the nearest Maritime Operations Centre or via the MERS999 emergency line.
