PORT KLANG: The special operation codenamed "Ops Pagar Laut" has resulted in the seizure of items worth RM110mil over the past five years, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said from 2020, the operation conducted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is crucial in safeguarding the nation's maritime area during the fasting and Hari Raya periods.
"From 2020 to 2024, a total of 251 cases were recorded.
The highest number of cases occurred in the waters of Sabah (69), Perak (57), and Johor (31)," he told reporters after launching the special operation on the MMEA's new vessel "KM Tun Fatimah" on Wednesday (March 12).
Saifuddin Nasution said the operation aims to combat cross-border crimes along the nation's maritime area.
"It will focus on hotspot areas and run from Ramadan until the first two weeks of Syawal.
For the special operation, the MMEA will collect credible intelligence and deploy its assets before conducting enforcement operations before and after Hari Raya.
It will conclude with a post-exercise debrief to analyse and identify areas for improvement," he said.
Among the offences targeted are encroachment by foreign fishermen, smuggling of migrants, and illegal anchoring and transfer of cargo among ships.
"MMEA officers have always put their lives on the line for the nation's sake. Several high-risk incidents occurred over the years, including attacks on MMEA officers in Kunak and Pulau Timbun Mata in Sabah," he said.
Given that criminals are becoming more aggressive, the government is committed to ensuring the MMEA receives new assets, Saifuddin Nasution said.
"One of them is KM Tun Fatimah, completed at Pulau Indah and will be stationed in Kuching, Sarawak.
The government has also agreed to acquire a new Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) from Desan Shipyard in Turkiye.
The ship will be operational in the first quarter of 2027 and will strengthen the MMEA's capabilities," he said.
One of the latest tactics used by smugglers is advertising on Facebook and TikTok about services to send back foreigners illegally, he said.
"We will boost security on our borders 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Stern action will be taken against those who break the law," he said.
