KOTA KINABALU: Two Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) members were injured in a shootout in the waters off Kunak district.
They were identified as Banggi 48 MMEA vessel chief Zainal Abad Komel, 45, and crewmember Prayrie De Cuella Jimin, 35.
MMEA director for Lahad Datu, Maritime Commander Dr Suzanna Razali Chan, said the two men, together with four others, were conducting patrols during Ops Khas Pagar Laut when the shootout happened at around 8.40am yesterday.
“They were patrolling the waters when they noticed a pump boat close to Kampung Pangi, Kunak. As they approached, shots were fired at our men.
“We believe three suspects had fired four shots at our officials,” she said in a statement.
Suzanna added that Zainal was injured in his right eye and Prayrie hurt both hands while trying to retaliate and the other four persons were not harmed.
It is unclear whether these suspects were smugglers or have any link to kidnap-for ransom groups, but investigators are trying to find out.
Suzanna said the injured officials were sent for medical treatment while a full-force hunt was mounted to track the suspects.
“We have mobilised our special action force and rescue team, air support and intelligence division to the location to investigate and hunt for the suspects,” she said, adding that Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) officials are also part of the operation.
In a separate statement, Lahad Datu MP Datuk Yusof Apdal said there was no need to panic over the incident.
Various initiatives were in place to enhance security in the state, be it on land or sea, he said.
Yusof said these operations and security measures were established to make sure that cross-border crimes are prevented, even during the festive season.
He added that security forces would double their efforts following the shootout.
“The public must also work with security forces and provide useful information that could help solve this case, and to prevent crime,” said Yusof.
