LABUAN, June 23 ― The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Labuan will strengthen its level of patrolling of the island's waters during the festive season to curb smuggling.
Its Labuan chief, Capt Che Adnan Md Isa said MMEA expected smuggling activities to increase beginning this week until Hari Raya.
“We are aware that during festivals the smuggling activities will increase; the smugglers think that many of our personnel would be on leave, but they are wrong as we will beef up our operation with more personnel,” he told Bernama today.
He said only 25 per cent of MMEA's personnel had been allowed to go on leave while the 75 per cent would be on duty.
“Besides alcohol and cigarettes, we will also be focusing on other types of smuggling, and encroachment that may threaten our marine parks,” he said.
On fish bombing activities, Che Adnan said there had been no cases this year; however, monitoring exercises particularly in the waters off Kuraman and Kiansam would continue.
“With the 'eyes and ear' approach involving villagers and local fishermen to channel information, coupled with more frequent sea patrols, Labuan registered a drastic drop in the activities,” he revealed.
He also advised fishermen to thoroughly check and ensure that their boat and equipment were in good condition before going out to sea. ― Bernama
