KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and Labuan recorded the second-highest number of arrests nationwide with 21 cases, just behind Johor (22 cases), during Operasi Khas Pagar Laut 1/2025 conducted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
MMEA Director-General First Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the arrests were linked to cross-border crimes including illegal foreign fishing vessel intrusions and smuggling of contraband and controlled goods—especially prevalent during the festive season.
Total seizures were estimated at RM4.809 million, with the largest involving two foreign fishing vessels valued at RM3 million.
Other confiscated items included smuggled cigarettes (RM958,000), prawn and fish seeds (RM500,490), boats and engines (RM222,900), vehicles (RM70,500), controlled goods (RM17,671.50), fish traps and stingray nets (RM37,160), and fuel (RM3,215).
