GEORGE TOWN: Several locations in the north and south of Penang island and mainland have been identified as hotspots for various maritime cross-border crimes, according to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
MMEA acting deputy director-general Rear Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said entry routes include waters near Kuala Muda in the north and areas around Nibong Tebal and Balik Pulau in the south.
"Most hotspots are along the outer coastal stretches, especially around Balik Pulau. Syndicates prefer mainland landing points, as island routes face obstacles such as enforcement checks and bridge crossings," he said after the closing of Operation Redback 21/2025 on Friday (Nov 25).
Penang’s proximity to Indonesia has made it a major transit point for cross-border crimes like drug and human trafficking.
Malaysia’s central regional location further increases the state’s use as a stopover for syndicates before continuing operations elsewhere.
"Penang is a key identified area, along with other states along the Malacca Strait," Mohd Zawawi added, noting the state is not only a migrant route but also a transit point for various criminal activities.
Earlier, Mohd Zawawi and Australian Border Force (ABF) Deputy Commander Linda Capello signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance operations, information exchange, and enforcement readiness.
The MoU strengthens maritime cooperation, including joint training, research, and intelligence sharing to safeguard regional maritime security.
Capello described the MoU as an important milestone in Malaysia-Australia relations, reflecting the shared vision and commitment of both nations.
Operation Redback 21/2025, held from 24 to 28 November, included expert knowledge-sharing, simulation exercises, enforcement operations, and community engagement with local fishermen.
A total of 141 MMEA personnel and 10 ABF officers participated.
