Officers inspecting a vessel during Ops Naga. – BERNAMApic
MELAKA: Ops Naga, a joint maritime enforcement operation involving multiple agencies that is now in its sixth year, has recorded 619 arrests, as well as forfeitures, fines, and auction proceeds amounting to RM141.79mil
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) acting deputy director-general (Operations) Maritime Rear Adm Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said these figures reflect the operation's progress from its inception in April 2019 until December last year.
"It is hoped that the overall value of these arrests will deliver a return on investment to the government throughout the implementation of Ops Naga,” he said in a statement after chairing the first Ops Naga meeting for the year here on Thursday (April 10).
Also present were Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) assistant chief of staff for operations and training, Rear Adm Datuk Mohd Fadzli Kamal Mohd Mohaldin; Pahang MMEA director First Adm Mazlan Mat Rejab; Royal Malaysian Customs Department (Customs) deputy director Mohd Nasir Mustapha, and Bukit Aman Marine Police Force deputy commander Asst Comm Noor Azman Jamal.
Rear Adm Zawawi also announced that Ops Naga had entered a new phase, focusing on more aggressive and coordinated tactical efforts to combat the encroachment of foreign fishing vessels (FFVs) into Malaysia’s maritime zone.
He said Ops Naga is not a routine operation but a comprehensive enforcement initiative involving multiple security forces and enforcement agencies to counter maritime intrusions, particularly in the South China Sea by FFVs, as well as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.
"Cooperation from all parties; security forces and supporting agencies alike, is crucial in strengthening surveillance and proactive enforcement to combat maritime crimes.
"We want to send a clear message that Malaysia’s waters are not to be trespassed upon at will,” he added.
Ops Naga involves the large-scale collaboration of 14 operational teams and supporting agencies, including the MMEA; Royal Malaysia Police Marine and Air Operations forces; the Fisheries Department, Customs Department, and RMN.
Also involved are the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Marine Department, Immigration Department; Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia, Sabah Ports and Harbour Department, Sabah Parks, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Thursday’s meeting also discussed strategic asset enhancement, more efficient joint operations, strengthening intelligence, and a long-term approach to boost the effectiveness of enforcement efforts. – Bernama
