Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is set to extend its Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) to the east coast of peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak to bolster the nation’s maritime surveillance capabilities. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced the strategic expansion aimed at countering maritime crimes such as smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal migration, and encroachments.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the SWASLA system, equipped with advanced radar and real-time monitoring technology, is expected to enhance enforcement efficiency across Malaysian waters. Currently, two operational SWASLA zones exist, one in Lumut overseeing the Melaka Strait and another in Sabah monitoring the west coast.
Saifuddin Nasution further highlighted plans to incorporate drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to cover sea areas that are challenging to access. At the agency’s 20th-anniversary celebration at Karpal Singh Drive, he revealed that RM675 million has been allocated in Budget 2025 for maintaining existing assets and acquiring new ones. This budget includes the Ship Life Extension Programme (SLEP) for six vessels, procurement of Multi-Purpose Mission Ships (MPMS), and two New Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPV).
The minister also announced the acquisition of four Agusta Westland 189 helicopters next year to improve aerial surveillance in strategic regions, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. Additionally, a new MMEA headquarters will be established in Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi, Selangor, as approved under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
MMEA’s track record from 2006 to 2024 includes 16,259 arrests under various laws, such as the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/1963. The agency thwarted 1,789 foreign fishing vessels (FFVs) and detained 15,162 crew members for encroachment, with Vietnamese FFVs comprising the largest group.
Statistics from MMEA’s Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief Division (BCLBB) report 3,285 cases involving 16,517 maritime incident victims from 2006 to 2024, with 14,094 successfully rescued. High-profile cases include the 2015 hijacking of the MT Orkim Harmony tanker and the seizure of methamphetamine worth RM106 million in Penang.
Saifuddin Nasution emphasized the importance of joint operations and collaboration with agencies like the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), as well as international partners such as the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA).
The 20th-anniversary celebration of MMEA, themed ‘Dua Dekad Maritim Malaysia, Perisai Samudera Negara’, runs from February 14 to 16, featuring events like a fleet review, Maritim Perkasa Carnival (KMP), and rescue demonstrations by the Special Task and Rescue (STAR) team.