Kuala lumpur: Operation NAGA (Op NAGA), Malaysia's targeted initiative against foreign encroachment and illegal fishing activities, has achieved significant results with 639 arrest cases and seizures exceeding RM244 million from 2019 to March of this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) reported that the highest number of arrests was recorded in West Terengganu with 436 cases, followed by East Sarawak with 128 cases and East Sabah with 75 cases. These successful arrests and seizures highlight Malaysia's ongoing commitment to combating illegal activities in its waters.
Op NAGA was launched through a whole-of-government approach, showcasing effective collaboration among 17 security and enforcement agencies to defend the nation's sovereignty and marine economic resources. The Malaysian government initiated a Task Force in April 2019 to facilitate cooperation among various departments and agencies. As a result, the integrated operation was initially activated in the East Coast waters of Peninsular Malaysia and later extended to the waters off Sabah and Sarawak.
MMEA serves as the coordinating agency for Op NAGA, working alongside the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police, and other civil authorities. The operation's success underscores the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in safeguarding the nation's maritime interests and resources.
MMEA Deputy Director-General (Operations) Vice Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah emphasized that Op NAGA addresses complex maritime security threats, particularly in the South China Sea. Since its inception, the operation has conducted 180,767 inspections and detained 5,139 foreign fishermen from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
Mohd Zawawi noted that foreign fishing vessel encroachments pose a threat to national sovereignty, maritime security, and the sustainability of maritime economic resources. He expressed concern over the significant losses to the local fisheries industry and the damage to the marine ecosystem caused by IUU fishing activities.
Additionally, Mohd Zawawi expressed satisfaction with the first-ever Combined Strategic Communication Working Group (CSCWG) Workshop for Op NAGA 2026, held over two days starting May 4. The workshop, involving communication officers from 17 security agencies, is aimed at enhancing operational communication strategies. This strategic communication, combined with operational strength, is expected to boost the effectiveness of Op NAGA in preventing foreign encroachment and cross-border crimes in Malaysian waters.