Malaysia Steadfast In Protecting Maritime Border, Maintaining Peace And Diplomacy
By Zarul Effendi Razali
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia remains vigilant in protecting its maritime borders through close coordination between enforcement agencies while steadfast in upholding government’s firm commitment to maintaining peace and diplomacy.
Foreign Ministry’s Director General for Department of Maritime Affairs, Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin, said Malaysia’s vast maritime areas demand continuous monitoring and active engagement and collaboration from multiple agencies.
“While Malaysia consistently promotes diplomacy as the foundation of its foreign policy, peace must never be mistaken for complacency in defending national sovereignty,” she said during Bernama World’s tv programme entitled “Malaysia And The Sea: Understanding Our Rights, Strengthening Our Voice” on Thursday.
According to Adina, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) acts as the nation’s coast guard, enforcing maritime laws and protecting national interests within Malaysian waters, while the Royal Malaysian Navy plays a crucial role in safeguarding the outer limits of Malaysia’s maritime zones, particularly in defence and surveillance operations.
Closer to the shore, the Marine Police maintain law and order, while the Marine Department oversees port operations and safety in commercial maritime areas.
She added that the agencies play important roles in ensuring Malaysia’s maritime zones remain secure and free from encroachment, smuggling and other transboundary threats.
Inter-agency collaboration not only enhances border protection but also reinforces Malaysia’s position as a responsible maritime nation in the region, she added.
“The Foreign Ministry, through the Department of Maritime Affairs, coordinates with these agencies to ensure Malaysia’s maritime diplomacy aligns with its security objectives,” she said.
She stated that Malaysia’s approach reflects Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive for the nation to project strength through diplomacy, not domination.
-- BERNAMA
