Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) conducted 851 seizure cases involving various maritime offences since January till July this year, with a total of RM84 million in seizures. Its acting deputy director-general of operations, Rear Admiral (M) Mohd Zawawi Abdullah, said the cases involved offences such as intrusion by foreign fishermen, human trafficking, smuggling of cigarettes, alcohol, subsidised goods, and vessel violations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, there have yet to be any arrests linked to firearms smuggling, but the MMEA, with cooperation from all enforcement agencies in the country, will continue to conduct operations and exchange related information. The most common forms of smuggling include cigarettes, human trafficking, and drugs. Mohd Zawawi shared this information with reporters after officiating the MMEA Merdeka programme.

On new methods used by syndicates, Mohd Zawawi noted that drones are now used to monitor areas before smuggling attempts. He mentioned that during his tenure in northern Malaysia, syndicates smuggled cockle seeds, ketum, and drugs using drones. He credited the partnership with the police and armed forces at the border for foiling several smuggling attempts. He also pointed out that the introduction of certain apps has presented challenges for the MMEA in conducting field operations.

On new MMEA assets, Mohd Zawawi stated that the agency plans to procure assets such as the AgustaWestland AW189 helicopter and the ex-United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Steadfast from the US to bolster operations. He mentioned that the agency will receive four AW189 helicopters capable of conducting flights as well as search and rescue operations over a wider coverage area.