Maritime agency capable of meeting threats, says new chief

PUTRAJAYA, June 23 — Newly appointed Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director-general Admiral Datuk Indera Zulkifli Abu Bakar tells  the challenges the agency faces and what solutions he will initiate to meet them.

MALAY MAIL: What is the agency about and what direction would you like to see the agency moving in?

ZULKIFLI ABU BAKAR: Our core business is maintaining a high state of readiness at all times and the capability to carry out missions in all-weather conditions including patrols, search and rescue and anti-piracy operations.

We face armed threats from cross-border crime networks, militant groups and pirates who are a danger to our personnel in the Melaka Straits, South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Considering the above, I want the agency to be known and counted on as a capable professional force that is highly disciplined, dependable and with a high standard of integrity. There will also be changes to our organisational and administrative capabilities and I will work to improve operating procedures, policies and programmes designed to integrate our personnel.

MM: What are the challenges facing the agency today and what will be your focus as new director-general?

ZAB: Intelligence gathering and investigation are key capabilities that will be our main focus both at the tactical and strategic levels, allowing us to conduct targeted strikes. Criminal and militant networks are tech savvy and capable of using social media to communicate and gather information for their activities. We also face security challenges in the South China Sea by major powers, competing territorial claims and foreign fishing vessels violating our territorial waters. These are major challenges that must be approached through diplomatic means to avoid unnecessary conflict but at the same time maintain a visible presence is necessary.

MM: What is being done to ensure the operational effectiveness of the agency in terms of equipment and what would you like to see added to its assets?

ZAB: The agency is not simply a coastal force and our Offshore Patrol Vessels allow us to cover Malaysia’s Exclusive Economic Zone which stretches out 200 nautical miles (370km). We have two supplied by Japan and another three are on order over the next two to three years but most are former Navy vessels over 30 years old and must be replaced. Our smaller fast intercept boats are showing their age and must be replaced with newer and faster models to allow us to intercept smugglers who often use similar craft as they are able to operate in shallow waters. There is also a need to expand our aerial surveillance and patrol capabilities whether by unmanned drones or more capable patrol aircraft. 

MM: What is being done to ensure the agency will draw and maintain capable and talented individuals in its ranks?

ZAB: We can have the best ships and aircraft in the world but that will mean nothing if those manning them are incapable or demoralised. There will be a review of how promotions are considered and I will ensure high performance individuals are fast-tracked for promotion to recognise their worth and retain them in the agency. The job is demanding and I need personnel with the highest possible level of competence and professionalism but they have to be physically fit as well. Members of the agency will be monitored by their division heads, who will be responsible for their physical fitness and any promotion or career advancement will take this into account.

MM: Besides equipment and personnel, what does the agency need to carry out its mandate in securing our maritime borders?

ZAB: There is only so much that any agency or force service can achieve on its own, no matter how large and capable it is.

I believe the agency will benefit tremendously by seeking to implement our National Blue Ocean Strategy to the agency and its role in our overall security structure.

We will seek cooperation with other services including the Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Police and our counterparts in other Asean countries.

The agency has benefited tremendously through training and equipment from the US, Japan Australia and Canada through agreements and information sharing and we will continue to expand on these programmes.