Deep-sea fishing industry will grow with MMEA’s stronger presence — Taib

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MISSION ILANG: Four members of the maritime agency Special Task and Rescue (STAR) Unit ‘protect’ a colleague carrying an ‘Ilang’ to be presented to Salahuddin for the unveiling ceremony. — Photo by Kong Jun Liung.

KUCHING: A stronger presence of Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) to safeguard Sarawak waters would enable the state to further develop its deep-sea fishing industry.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud yesterday said since the maritime agency began operation in the waters of the state on September 1, 2006, investment in deep-sea fishing and
exploration for oil and gas had intensified.

He also said since then the state had been able to yield about RM2 billion from its deep-sea fishing industry and it had begun to embark on downstream activities to produce fish products which could double the revenue.

“The stronger presence of the maritime agency would enable the state to further focus on developing its deep sea fishing industry. This complex would enable the agency to grow and become more efficient to protect the coast of Sarawak.

“The presence of bigger patrolling fleet and enforcement officers to protect the state waters would allow more trawlers to be involved in deep sea exploration. Increasing activities would greatly improve deep sea fishing industry,” Taib, who is also Finance Minister, said.

He was speaking at the opening of MMEA Sarawak Region’s new RM320 million complex at Muara Tebas, located some 25 kilometres from here. Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin declared open the complex which was officially named Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex.

MAGNIFICIENT: A pyro display to celebrate the unveiling of the new Sarawak Region MMEA complex.

RESCUE OPS: The MMEA Special Task and Rescue (STAR) Unit demonstrates a rescue operation on a boat hijacked by pirates. — Photo by Kong Jun Liung

PUTTING OUT FLAMES: A Bombadier C1415 aircraft drops 6,000 litres of water in this demonstration on how MMEA fights fire on vessels at sea. The aircraft only needs 12 seconds to scoop water and fill up four tanks installed on board. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

SPLENDID: About 200 enforcement officers take part in the guard-of-honour to welcome the Head of State.

MODERN: Mohd Amdan describing the layout and facilities available at the new RM320 million complex to Salahuddin. Looking on are (from third left) Norkiah, Ragad, Taib and Ismaili.

Also present were MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish and wife Datin Siti Zawiyah Ahmad, deputy director-general of operations Maritime Rear Admiral Datuk Ahmad Puzi Abdul Kahar, Sarawak Region enforcement chief Maritime First Admiral Ismaili Bujang Pit, Salahuddin’s Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah, Taib’s wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi and state dignitaries.

On a related matter, Taib said the federal government was contemplating to build a maritime complex in Bintulu.

Mohd Amdan, in his speech earlier, stated that the maritime agency had conducted 12,431 checks and made 734 arrests in the waters of the state since 2006 until July this year.

He also said the agency here had managed to oversee 151 search and rescue operations, where 1,739 people were saved.

“Maritime Malaysia will continue to improve its capacity building to give effective services that meet the needs of the people, especially in regards to providing a safe coastal environment,” he added.

On the complex, Mohd Amdan said it houses among others, a jetty, administrative building, mini stadium, swimming pool and staff quarters.