(Seated, from left) Dr Nazatul, Mohammad Hafizie, Simon and Nicholas take one for the album at the Level 3 Sarex Mukah 2026 opening ceremony.
MUKAH (Aug 5): Nearly 160 personnel from 20 government agencies, private organisations and media representatives are taking part in the Level 3 Search and Rescue Exercise (Sarex) Mukah 2026.
The exercise commenced yesterday and will end tomorrow, and was launched by Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak deputy state operations director Capt Simon Templer Tusa at Menara Pehin Setia Raja here.
In his speech, Simon said the exercise served as an important platform to assess the readiness and effectiveness of agencies involved in search and rescue operations, while enhancing inter-agency cooperation.
“Sarex provides an opportunity for participating agencies to enhance coordination, improve understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities, and evaluate existing procedures to ensure SAR operations are carried out efficiently and effectively.”
He said Sarex involved the deployment of maritime assets, land vehicles, and medical teams to stimulate emergency response operations under realistic conditions.
Simon added MMEA remains committed to carrying out its role as the lead agency in coordinating maritime SAR operations by working closely with relevant agencies to optimise the use of available assets, expertise and manpower.
He noted that Malaysia’s commitment to maritime SAR operations is in line with its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and as a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
“Continuous training through exercises such as Sarex is essential to ensure all agencies remain prepared to respond effectively to maritime emergencies, particularly in Sarawak waters,” he said.
Also present were National Security Council (MKN) Sarawak director Mohammad Hafizie Putit, MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral (Maritime) Nicholas Jugah Sanji and Mukah Division Health officer Dr Nazatul Ashikin Taher.