ALOR SETAR, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is intensifying patrols to intercept two boats carrying Myanmar illegal immigrants reported to be heading towards Langkawi.
MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said the agency had activated Operation GUARD following the arrest of 196 Myanmar illegals by the police at Pantai Teluk Yu, Langkawi, at 3.25 am today.
“The 196 illegal immigrants were detained after their boat ran aground. Based on the information we received, there are another two boats believed to be carrying Myanmar illegals still at sea, but their exact locations have yet to be identified.
“MMEA has deployed boats and ships to the landing site and conducted patrols in northern Langkawi waters and along national borders. We have also mobilised an aircraft for aerial surveillance,” he said in a statement today.
He said radar monitoring through the Sea Surveillance System has also been enhanced to detect the boats.
“MMEA is also in contact with the Thai enforcement authorities to determine whether they have detected the movement of the two boats.
“We urge the maritime community around Langkawi to provide immediate information via the 999 hotline or contact the Langkawi Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre (MRSC) at 04-9662750 or 011-58925868 if they notice any suspicious activities,” he said.
MMEA and other enforcement agencies have detained 2,089 illegal immigrants from Myanmar aboard 18 boats that attempted to enter the country between 2010 to 2024.
Earlier, a video clip on 200 Rohingya migrants landing in Langkawi after their boat ran aground at Pantai Teluk Yu went viral on social media, prompting swift action from MMEA.
-- BERNAMA
