MMEA officer in Kunak shootout undergoes successful eye surgery

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officer who was shot in an incident within Kunak waters has successfully undergone surgery, says Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

"The MMEA officer had undergone surgery of the eye and the bullet has been removed. Alhamdulillah, his eye was not removed despite earlier worries that an eye implant had to be inserted.

"He is in stable condition," the IGP said at the Police Training Centre here on Monday (April 8).

He added that investigations have led the police to believe that the suspects were conducting robberies at sea due to the increased traffic of boats travelling to and fro between Kunak and Semporna.

"When it comes to the holidays, there are those from Kunak to Semporna and vice versa and pirates take advantage of these boats that are at sea.

"The marine police will do patrols in addition to the ones by MMEA. This group is known to be armed but we need to confirm what weaponry was used by pirates and that will be part of our investigation," he said.

On Sunday (April 7), two MMEA officers 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 crew member 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.

“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," she said.

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 unharmed.