MMEA Sarawak arrests 353, conducts 11,938 inspections in 2025

KUCHING (Jan 6): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak arrested 353 individuals and carried out 11,938 inspections throughout 2025.

Sarawak Maritime director First Admiral (Maritime) Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz said these results were achieved through the deployment of offshore assets to ensure maritime safety, legal compliance and the continued preservation of national maritime sovereignty.

“During the period, Sarawak Maritime recorded 4,276 searches and arrested 353 individuals for various maritime offences, with the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 accounted for the highest number of arrests compared with other maritime offences,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that the improved effectiveness of enforcement was driven by several major operations, including Op Naga Sarawak, Op Mardof, Op Permai, Op Tiris, Op Tongkang Balak, and Op Ambal, which focused on curbing illegal activities in state waters, particularly intrusions by foreign fishing vessels (FFV) from Vietnam.

In addition to enforcement, Mohd Khairi said the agency also recorded commendable performance in search and rescue (SAR) operations through rapid response and efficient coordination.

Among the major successes was a SAR operation involving two US citizens after their yacht suffered engine failure in the waters off Miri, before they were rescued by the Maritime Vessel (KM) Siagut.

He said the agency also rescued seven anglers following a boat capsizing incident in the waters off Kuching, through swift coordination with Senari Port.

“Throughout 2025, the Kuching Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) recorded 21 maritime emergency incidents involving 143 victims, with 122 people successfully rescued, 10 confirmed dead and 11 others reported missing,” he said.

Mohd Khari stressed that Sarawak Maritime not only focuses on enforcement but also strengthens awareness through two-way dialogues with local fishermen to ensure legal compliance and the sustainability of marine resources.

The success of these operations, he noted, was also supported by strategic cooperation among various agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Marine Operations Force (MOF), Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department, Sarawak Marine Department, Sarawak Immigration Department, Sarawak Forestry Department, Sarawak State Department of Environment, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

He assured that MMEA will continue to enhance monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) this year to ensure that national waters remain safe and sovereign.