PASIR PUTEH: The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Kelantan branch recorded a total seizure of RM20.33mil from operations and inspections in 2025, with 56 arrests made.
Its director, Maritime Captain Erwan Shah Soahdi, said investigations into the 56 arrests revealed 73 offences under various laws, as some cases involved multiple violations.
The most common offences included 23 cases under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, 21 cases under the Immigration Act 1959/1963, and 15 cases under the Fisheries Act 1985.
Other recorded offences were six cases under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, three cases each under the Customs Act 1967 and the Penal Code, as well as one case each under the Immigration Regulations 1963 and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
"The agency conducted 2,132 searches and 4,301 vessel and boat inspections during these operations," he told Bernama recently.
On the development of the RM250mil MMEA Tok Bali Complex, Erwan said the project involves constructing administrative offices, an operational jetty, and quarters.
It is currently in the early stages of technical evaluation, with the tender process expected to open later this year.
"In early February, the headquarters development department will assess the project specifications, and we aim to open the tender this year," he said, adding that the Home Ministry (KDN) had instructed that all approved projects be expedited without compromising existing regulations.
"Once the tender process is completed, we expect the construction to take about three years. After that, Kelantan MMEA will move its operations to the new complex," he added.
At present, Kelantan MMEA operates in a rented and converted ice factory building. The new location at the Tok Bali estuary, facing open sea, is considered more strategic for operations.
"The site is directly on the route into Tok Bali, allowing for a faster response to maritime incidents," he added.
The new maritime complex will improve operational efficiency, the welfare of personnel, and MMEA’s identity as a maritime enforcement agency operating at the frontline.
In addition to securing Kelantan's waters, the complex will support operations in the waters of Terengganu and Pahang, as MMEA is responsible for all East Coast waters.
"While each state has its own assets, we coordinate operations. If an incident occurs in Terengganu or Pahang, Kelantan’s assets will be deployed for joint operations," he said.
The development of the maritime complex is also in line with the state government’s plan to transform Tok Bali into a tourism and recreational hub, including the construction of a passenger jetty, expected to open in April for routes to Pulau Perhentian.
In the 2026 Budget, KDN allocated RM1.5bil for the construction and upgrading of uniformed body facilities nationwide, including the Kelantan MMEA Complex in Tok Bali. - Bernama
