PORT KLANG, Oct 1 — The Marine Police Force (PPM) arrested 2,707 individuals in 7,627 criminal cases in the country’s waters during the first nine months of this year.

Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said that the success was the result of continuous enforcement through various operations such as Op Taring Gelora, Op Taring Landai, and inter or intra-agency operations.

“From January to September, the team recorded seizures and fines worth RM525 million with the arrest of 2,707 people for various offences.

“The highest offences among them involve the Fisheries Act 1985 with 3,214 cases, the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (428), the Control of Supplies Control Act 1961 (295), the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the ATIPSOM Act 2007 (213), as well as the Customs Act 1967 (189 cases),” he said at a press conference after officiating the 79th Anniversary celebration of the PPM at the Region One PPM Operations headquarters, Pulau Indah here today.

Mohd Yusri said that the success was also the result of effective bilateral cooperation and patrol coordination with regional enforcement agencies such as Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.

Commenting on the issue of illegal immigrant smuggling, he said that irresponsible parties use various modus operandi to infiltrate the country.

“They are targeting international waters by transferring illegal immigrants to another boat before making a ‘drop point’ to Malaysia, with the focus areas including waters around Perak, Selangor Johor, and the northern part of the Peninsula,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Yusri said that PPM as a whole now has 22 projects under the Malaysia Plan (11MP to 13MP) worth RM1.064 billion.

“For future strategic planning, it involves the application of 19 proposed projects worth RM2.28 billion, including the construction of several operational bases for the team.

“PPM will also receive two aircraft carriers and five Fast Patrol Crafts, each worth RM100 million, to further strengthen the unit’s capability in ensuring the safety of the country’s waters,” he said.

Earlier at the event, Mohd Yusri presented the PPM 2026 Hero Award to Sub Inspector (B) Jakarta Makling, 72, in recognition of his contributions and sacrifices throughout his service in the force.

Jakarta, when met, expressed deep emotion over the award that was introduced for the first time since he joined the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) on May 28, 1972.

“In June 1976, while serving as a patrol boat crew member, I was involved in a battle with a group of armed pirates in the waters of Lahad Datu, Sabah, and was shot in the left shoulder.

“The bullet still remains in my shoulder to this day and serves as a testament to my sacrifice in carrying out my duty to protect the safety of the nation’s waters,” said the grandfather of 13 from Semporna, Sabah. — Bernama