16,259 Cases Recorded for Various Offenses – Saifuddin

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 February 2025 – Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that a total of 16,259 arrest cases have been recorded involving various offenses under the Fisheries Act 1985, Immigration Act 1959/1963, and Merchant Shipping Ordinance.

He made these remarks in relation to the significant achievements of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) since its establishment in 2005.

“A total of 1,789 incursions by foreign fishing vessels were successfully thwarted, with 15,162 crew members detained.

“The countries of origin with the highest number of detained foreign fishermen are Vietnam with 11,443 individuals, Indonesia (2,221 individuals), and Thailand (956 individuals),” he said during a press conference in conjunction with the MMEA’s two-decade celebration in Penang.

According to Saifuddin, from 2006 to 2024, a total of 3,285 Search and Rescue (SAR) operations were conducted, involving 16,517 victims of maritime incidents.

He noted that 14,094 victims were successfully rescued, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property of the public.

“High-profile cases include the hijacking of the tanker MT Orkim Harmony (2015) – carrying 6,000 tons of petrol, MT MGT1 (2017) – hijacking near Pulau Yu Besar, with all 11 pirates successfully apprehended.

“The largest drug seizure in Penang involved 2 tons of methamphetamine worth RM106 million.

“An operation dismantled a syndicate led by a foreign woman known as ‘Ibu Ani’ in Selangor. These successes have boosted international confidence in the safety of the country’s waters,” he said.

Saifuddin added that future plans for the MMEA include expanding the installation of monitoring technology with high-definition radar and high-quality video recorders.

He stated that the use of the Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) will be expanded to high-risk areas such as locations for drug and migrant smuggling.

“Currently, there are two SWASLA zones:
SWASLA Lumut – monitoring the waters of the Strait of Malacca, and
SWASLA Sabah – monitoring the waters off the west coast of Sabah.

“Maritime Malaysia plans to develop SWASLA in the waters of Sarawak and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

“Expanding the use of drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to monitor hard-to-access areas,” he said.

Saifuddin explained that the acquisition of new assets aligns with the MMEA Strategic Plan 2023-2033, including:
Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) capable of carrying helicopters,
Four Agusta Westland 189 helicopters (2026),
Two Multi-Purpose Mission Ships (MPMS), and
Four New Generation Patrol Vessels (NGPV).

“Repowering and Ship Life Extension programs to extend the lifespan of assets cost-effectively.
The Maritime Malaysia Headquarters Complex in Salak Tinggi, Selangor,
Maritime offices and operational jetties in Sabah and Labuan at Teluk Sepanggar,
Construction of the Pos Batu Putih jetty in Perlis,
Maritime Air Station in Sandakan, Sabah, and
Upgrading existing jetties to meet operational asset needs,” he said.