‘MMEA Sarawak needs more patrol boats’

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Ismaili (centre) bites a piece of cake from a colleague during a cake cutting ceremony to commemorate those personnel who celebrate their birthdays in June, July and August.

Ismaili (centre) bites a piece of cake from a colleague during a cake cutting ceremony to commemorate those personnel who celebrate their birthdays in June, July and August.

KUCHING: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak has sufficient manpower but it needs more patrol vessels and other assets to better safeguard the state’s coast.

MMEA Sarawak chief, First Admiral (M) Ismaili Bujang Pit, however, said his office would not use these shortcomings as an excuse when enforcing the law to, among others, keep illegal logging, smuggling of contraband items, foreign vessels encroachment and deep sea fishing violations at bay.

“We will continue to do our best to enforce the law without prejudice.” he said at MMEA’s Hari Raya gathering at its Tun Abang Salahuddin Complex in Muara Tebas near here yesterday.

Ismaili added that some of the boats were not in good condition and thus could not be mobilised immediately when the need arose.

“A few of our vessels are about 40 to 50 years old.

“We have issues with lack of assets, but I’m happy we have sufficient manpower. However, having the manpower is not enough if we do not have sufficient boats that are in good condition and always ready to be despatched.”

Ismaili said this in response to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem recent criticism of the agency for failing to halt illegal deep sea fishing off the coast of Sarawak.

“We respect and openly accept any criticism or caution from the chief minister. We will take his advice to further improve the agency.

“We must be positive on this matter, especially considering that the new state leadership under Adenan’s administration is seen as vigorous and very much focussed on enforcement. In this regards, we must take actions that is on par with the chief minister’s aspiration. Let’s move forward in discharging our duties,” he said.

On its search and rescue missions, Ismaili said the agency had set a 30-minute response time for a rescue vessel to be mobilised once a report is received. This is part of the agency’s objective to further improve its service.

As a follow up action, MMEA will strengthen its collaboration with the state Fisheries Department to curb illegal deep sea fishing activities and encroachment of foreign vessels.

The Hari Raya gathering was held to enhance ties with other state and federal enforcement agencies that often hold joint-operation with Maritime, such as the Civil Defence Department (JPAM), Road Safety Department (JKJR), Land and Survey Department, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Forestry Department and Fisheries Department.