Kota Kinabalu: Sabah and FT Labuan recorded the second-highest number of arrests with 21 after Johor (22) and ahead of Sarawak with 14, during Operasi Khas Pagar Laut 1/2025, conducted nationwide from March 10 to April 16 by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
MMEA Director-General First Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said, the majority of the cases recorded in Sabah and Labuan were related to the Control of Supplies Act, including smuggling of subsidised diesel, petrol and cooking oil, particularly along the east coast.
He said Sabah is close to several neighbouring countries, especially on the east coast, which makes it a common route for smuggling subsidised goods out of Malaysia.
“We strengthened control in these areas to ensure local supplies remain sufficient,” he told a press conference after the Handover of Duty for Sabah and FT Labuan Maritime Director, as well as the closing of Operasi Khas Pagar Laut.
Also present were former State Maritime Director and FT Labuan First Maritime Admiral, Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik and new MMEA Director Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali and others.
Nationwide, the operation recorded 87 cases, with arrest of 321 individuals from Myanmar, Indonesia, China, Iran, Bangladesh, Vietnam and other countries for various offences, with total seizures estimated at RM4.809 million – 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), ‘bubu naga’ fish traps and stingray nets (RM37,160), and diesel/petrol (RM3,215),” he said.
The operation was divided into four phases, comprising intelligence gathering and asset preparation, pre- and post-Aidilfitri enforcement, and a post-operation debrief.
A total of 800 officers and personnel were deployed in shifts to ensure 24-hour surveillance. A total of 45 maritime assets were mobilised nationwide, supported by aerial surveillance, radar sensors and intelligence operations.
Other than that, he said that statistics indicate a decline in cases compared to the previous year, which saw 176 cases.
“This drop shows the impact of early prevention through continuous monitoring and strong cooperation from the public and maritime communities.
“This operation is not just about enforcement.
Various outreach efforts such as sea awareness programmes, the Sahabat Maritim campaign, and engagement with local communities were also carried out to strengthen the public’s role as the eyes and ears of the agency,” he said.
Rosli said that MMEA remains committed to safeguarding national waters and will not compromise on any elements of cross-border crime or intrusions that threaten the country’s maritime security.
“The end of Operasi Khas Pagar Laut 1/2025 does not mean patrols and enforcement will stop.
Instead, MMEA will continue to step up maritime security, especially in hotspot areas along the country’s borders,” he said.
