Ops Ambal Kuching: MMEA-Marine Dept inspects 33 vessels

KUCHING (Oct 26): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak, in collaboration with the Sarawak Marine Department (JLWS), have inspected 33 vessels during Ops Ambal Kuching on October 23 and 24.

MMEA Deputy Director of Operations, Capt Simon Templer Lo Tusa, said that the operation aimed to improve safety, enforce maritime laws and combat crime in Sarawak waters.

“During this operation, a total of 33 vessels were inspected, and several enforcement actions were taken against those found violating maritime laws.

“Among the offenses detected were under Section 18(5) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for failure to maintain vessel name markings and misleading vessel names, along with several other violations,” he said in a statement today.

The operation involved 44 MMEA personnel and 12 JLWS personnel, deployed alongside six MMEA assets and one JLWS asset to national waters.

Simon said the operation covered the waters of Muara Tebas, Tanjung Po, Muara Payang, and surrounding areas.

He said that these assets played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the operation, particularly in monitoring, inspecting and enforcement on vessels in Sarawak waters.

He praised the successful outcome of the operation, which was supported by strategic assets including Kilat 22, Kilat 35, Penggalang 22, Penyelamat 8, Petir 82, Perkasa 25, and JLWS’s TG Selatan.

A closing ceremony was held on the final day of the operation, during which tokens of appreciation were presented to the team members involved.