PASIR PUTEH: The 2024 Special Ops Pagar Laut in Kelantan led to 121 cases of cross-border crimes in national waters with about RM9mil in seizures, highlighting the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) effectiveness in tackling maritime threats.
This year, the operation has been intensified with the 2025 Special Ops Pagar Laut to ensure maritime security in the state is guaranteed throughout the festive season.
"A thorough inspection of fishing boats has been carried out to identify and combat any suspicious activities. MMEA is committed to ensuring that Malaysian waters are free from criminal threats,” said state maritime director Maritime Capt Erwan Shah Soahdi after launching the state-level operation.
He said that last year, the agency seized five vessels comprising three foreign fishing boats and two local ones, for various violations.
"Among the common offences detected are a lack of work permits and passports among ship crew,” he said.
Erwan Shah said MMEA’s enforcement personnel and assets will be on duty around the clock even during Ramadan and Syawal as smuggling activities by sea may rise due to tighter controls at land and river borders. - Bernama
