Kelantan Maritime Conducts Coastal Patrols As Preventive SAR During MTL

KOTA BHARU, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Kelantan mobilises coastal patrol teams to implement its Preventive SAR Programme every day during the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) season.

Kelantan Maritime director Capt Erwan Shah Soahdi said the strategy was to ensure the safety of the maritime community in the face of MTL as declared by the National Security Council.

He said the assignment of coastal patrols was intended as a Preventive SAR to deal with untoward seafaring incidents during the MTL.

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"In addition, we are also taking steps to be on standby to organise flood monitoring as an initial preparation in case there is a call from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to carry out flood relief tasks," he said when contacted by Bernama today.

"The effort is seen as an initiative that needs to be implemented earlier before the expected peak level and cooperation from all parties is necessary to deal with any dangers," he said.

Erwan Shah said MMEA also reminds maritime communities such as fishermen, the shipping community, the oil exploration industry as well as enthusiasts of marine or coastal recreational activities to increase their level of vigilance during MTL.

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According to him, for the safety of fishermen during the MTL season, MMEA cannot stop them from their livelihood of going out to sea since fishing is their sole income but can only keep a watchful eye.

He said the fishing community is advised to always heed the weather forecast issued by the Meteorological Department, especially strong wind warnings.

"Kelantan MMEA has four teams, each of which has 10 officers who monitor activities involving the maritime community, especially in coastal areas.

"We also go to (hotel) resorts by the beach to advise guests and resort operators not to indulge in certain water activities (like swimming out) on the beachfront," he said.

-- BERNAMA