Penang: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Penang is committed to strengthening security control of the country’s waters through integrated operations in the waters of Teluk Bahang National Park here, yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, state MMEA director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli stated that the operation was carried out jointly with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Penang Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan). Led by Penang MMEA deputy director (operations) Maritime Commander Mohd Hashim Mat Zain, the operation focused on the area 0.5 nautical mile from the coast.

He mentioned that during the operation, the teams involved randomly inspected several local fishing vessels (VNT) and tourist boats in Pulau Duyung and Kerachut. A comprehensive inspection was also carried out on tourist boats, including driver’s licenses, boat safety aspects, and tourist boat permits.

Muhammad Suffi added that on average, the drivers and passengers of tourist boats who were inspected were locals aged between 25 and 50 years old. All the boats and vessels were found to comply with the law. He emphasized that strategic cooperation between agencies would continue to be strengthened from time to time to ensure integrated and effective law enforcement.