Operation against sea crime begins in Malaysian waters

On July 4th, the Malaysian Navy and marine police, in cooperation with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), begin a two-week operation against sea crime activities, in the country’s south waters. The operation was launched following the hijacking of a Thai oil tanker, on June 23, when pirates stole 1.5 million litres of diesel. 

The operation is part of the National Blue Ocean Strategy, under which the three agencies share assets and manpower and its main focus will be Malaysia’s territorial waters, starting with the southern areas, covering Kuantan to Pengerang waters.

Speaking at a conference, MMEA director-general Datuk Zulkifili Abu Bakar, informed that authorities will inspect tankers carrying fuel, such as diesel and petrol, with main target to fight sea crimes, such as piracy, robbery and fuel-siphoning.