MMEA Thwarts Over 800 Attempts By Illegal Immigrants To Enter Malaysian Waters

PORT KLANG, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has thwarted 863 attempts by illegal immigrants, involving 3,700 individuals, over five years to enter Malaysian waters via Op Khas Pagar Laut.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that from 2020 to 2025, the operation recorded 344 arrests, with Sabah, Perak, and Johor recording the highest number of cases at 90, 71, and 52 cases respectively, involving a total seizure amounting to RM106.7 million.

"This statistic clearly shows that the government has never compromised with any syndicate that uses the sea as a gateway into our country. Intelligence sharing and the implementation of integrated operations are a priority," he said.

He said this at a press conference after launching the Op Khas Pagar Laut 2026 on ‘KM Tun Fatimah’, moored at the National Hydrographic Centre, Lebuh Sungai Chandong, Bandar Armada Putra in Pulau Indah, here today.

Saifuddin said that the Op Khas Pagar Laut this year, which will start tomorrow until April 10, will involve a force of 800 officers and personnel, 275 assets consisting of ships, patrol boats and aircraft, with monitoring and patrols to be carried out 24 hours a day leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

He said the operation also involved all agencies under the Home Ministry as well as the cooperation of the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, the Marine Department, and the Fisheries Department.

"We believe that with the mobilisation of resources from all these agencies, it will enhance the effectiveness of this Op Khas Pagar Laut," he also said.

Saifuddin added that among the identified crimes are the smuggling of daily goods, weapons, and drugs using sea routes and various tactics to deceive the authorities.

-- BERNAMA