Kuala muda: Members of the public are urged not to speculate or share unverified information following the circulation of viral social media messages claiming that several boats were attempting to smuggle Rohingya migrants into the country via the coastlines of Kuala Muda, Kuala Kedah, Yan and Penang today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for Kedah and Perlis, First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa, emphasized that the agency takes seriously every piece of information received concerning threats to the country's maritime security and sovereignty. He highlighted that the dissemination of inaccurate information could not only cause public unrest but also potentially disrupt surveillance, intelligence, and enforcement efforts being carried out by the authorities.

Romli Mustafa stated, "Every piece of information received will be assessed, reviewed, and verified before any action is taken. The public is urged to obtain information from official sources and refrain from spreading unverified allegations as they could create confusion and anxiety among the community," he said in a statement today.

He further explained that MMEA is constantly enhancing its operational readiness through continuous patrols, intelligence-based surveillance, and strategic cooperation with other security agencies to curb intrusion attempts or the entry of illegal immigrants through maritime routes. The agency is committed to ensuring that every intelligence report is followed up with appropriate enforcement action to maintain the nation's maritime borders.

At the same time, Romli urged coastal and fishing communities, as well as those at sea, to continue playing their role as the eyes and ears of the authorities by providing information if they detect any suspicious activities at sea or along coastal areas. He also reminded the public not to take action themselves against individuals suspected of committing offenses and to leave enforcement matters to the relevant authorities.

Romli concluded by advising that information regarding suspicious activities should be channelled immediately through official MMEA channels or relevant security agencies to enable verification and enforcement actions to be carried out swiftly, effectively, and safely.