MMEA to intensify operations in Straits of Malacca

KLANG: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency is determined to further intensify enforcement operations to combat illegal activities in the Straits of Malacca, a major route for the shipping industry.
Its maritime enforcement coordination director First Admiral Datuk Nasir Adam said it would be carried out with the cooperation of the Indonesian Maritime Security Board (Bakamla) and several security agencies in Indonesia and Malaysia through an operation known as "Op Patkor Optima".
The operation, held twice a year since 1991, was successful in restoring the confidence of those travelling through the Straits of Malacca on security in the area, he added.
For Op Patkor Optima 24B/15 which started on Oct 5 and ended today, a total of 191 ships and boats were inspected and 61 crew and 15 skippers were arrested, he said.
"Those arrested are Malaysian, Indonesian and Myanmar nationals who are between 18 and 56 years old and mostly for conducting illegal fishing activities," he told reporters after the closing ceremony of the operation here today.
On the influx of Indonesians entering the country illegally Bakamla First Admiral, Barat-Batam Maritime Zone, UK Agung said Bakamla had requested Malaysian authorities to conduct thorough inspection on boats entering the country.
"The problem of illegal immigrants entering Malaysia exists since a long time ago because it involves mafia (syndicate). So, we hope enforcement agencies in Malaysia can arrest them (mafia) first," he added. – Bernama