Majang (second right) presents an appreciation certificate to an MMEA Bintulu personnel, witnessed by Shahref (centre) and others.
BINTULU: The decrease in the number of arrests by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here indicates the local maritime community is now more law abiding and aware of its responsibilities.
MMEA Bintulu director Captain Sharef Steve Mac Queen Abdullah said 20 arrests were recorded throughout last year compared to 25 in 2017 – a decrease of about eight per cent – even though inspections had been intensified.
“This shows local maritime communities realise the need to obey the laws and regulations, apart from having greater awareness on their safety while going out to sea,” he said during MMEA Bintulu Sports and Welfare Club’s annual dinner, here Saturday.
According to Shahref, MMEA Bintulu has also carried out 595 inspections on boats and vessels in waters here last year, which was an increase from the 494 inspections the year before.
In terms of search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, he revealed MMEA Bintulu took part in five operations last year, rescuing 12 lives and salvaging properties worth about RM500,000.
He said apart from carrying out its responsibilities, MMEA Bintulu is also actively involved in social community services, such as through its Sahabat Maritim programme which assists and contributes to orphans and the less-fortunate here.
Meanwhile, Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi, who was guest-of-honour at the dinner, said MMEA Bintulu plays a crucial role in providing safety and security, especially in important industrial areas.