Kuala Lumpur: Cooperation between various enforcement agencies in safeguarding the country’s borders is a common practice, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said. He emphasized that security operations, particularly in the nation’s extensive waters, necessitate standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are continuously improved.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Home Minister highlighted that Malaysia’s maritime area extends approximately 590,000 square kilometres from the coast to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He mentioned various models of inter-agency cooperation, such as the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) on the east coast of Sabah, where the police serve as the primary command authority. These comments were made during an event where he handed over Aidilfitri Fund contributions to the Kedah Darul Aman FC team.

Reports indicate that the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will no longer conduct high-risk operations independently, particularly at night or during early hours, if these operations threaten personnel safety. Instead, such operations will involve collaboration with other agencies. MMEA director-general Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah outlined that this approach aims to mitigate risks faced by enforcement officers when dealing with unknown criminal strengths in Malaysian waters.

Saifuddin Nasution further clarified that while the MMEA will persist in its core duties, joint operations with multiple enforcement agencies constitute an effective strategy. He explained the division of tasks, operational areas, and command rights, noting that MMEA is currently executing ‘Op Khas Pagar Laut’ during the festive season. This operation is based on historical statistics that indicate some criminal groups may assume enforcement is lax during this period. However, the reality is that during festive seasons, various crimes, including drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and other criminal activities, are detected.