KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) carried out 11,938 inspections in Sarawak waters throughout last year, resulting in more than 300 arrests.
Sarawak MMEA director First Admiral (Maritime) Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz said the agency recorded 4,276 searches and arrested 353 individuals for various offences.
"Offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance accounted for the most arrests," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 6).
First Adm Khairi said MMEA's enforcement effectiveness was driven by several major operations, including Ops Naga Sarawak, Ops Mardof, Ops Permai, Ops Tiris, Ops Tongkang Balak and Ops Ambal.
"The operations focused on curbing illegal activities in Sarawak's waters, particularly encroachment by foreign fishing vessels from Vietnam," he said, adding that their success was supported by strategic cooperation with relevant agencies.
Besides enforcement, First Adm Khairi said MMEA was also involved in search and rescue (SAR) operations last year, providing swift response and efficient coordination.
He said one of the agency's major achievements was rescuing two Americans after their yacht suffered engine failure off Miri.
"We also rescued seven anglers whose boat capsized in Kuching waters, through swift coordination with Senari Port," he said.
Throughout last year, the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) recorded 21 emergency incidents involving 143 victims, of whom 122 were rescued, 10 confirmed dead, and 11 reported missing.
In addition, First Adm Khairi said MMEA held dialogue sessions with local fishermen to raise awareness on complying with the law and ensuring the sustainability of marine resources.
"We will continue to monitor the exclusive economic zone this year to ensure the security and sovereignty of the nation's waters," he added.
