Maritime agency on alert for Raya

PUTRAJAYA: With Hari Raya just 19 days away, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has launched "Ops Tumpas" to curtail piracy, smuggling and illegal entry of immigrants.
Its director-general Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish said MMEA is embarking on the operation at three hot spots identified as entry points for illegal immigrants.
"Langkawi, Pengerang, Johor and Tawau are the hotspots for smuggling activities," he told a press conference today after handing over Hari Raya goodies to more than 2,000 maritime officers who will be on duty during the festive season.
The gift packs were from the Association for Wives of Public Servants and Women in the Public Service (Puspanita), Umno Welfare Organisation and Welfare Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti).
Puspanita was represented by Datin Zawiyah Ahmad, who is Amdan's wife.
"Goods like sugar, cooking oil and even subsidised diesel are among the popular items that have been smuggled," said Amdan, adding that the operation started on July 1 and ends on Aug 15.
"In the first 10 days of Ramadan, we have carried out 880 inspections and made 22 arrests while 271 illegal immigrants (48 cases) have been arrested from January till June this year," he said.
"Apart from the 2,000 maritime officers who are on mandatory duty during the festive season, additional search and rescue teams are also on standby because we are anticipating that there will be many illegal immigrants returning home to celebrate Hari Raya," added Amdan.