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MMEA beefs up patrols in Bintulu waters

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Bintulu MMEA checking the body temperature of a local fisherman during patrolling.

BINTULU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu has tightened control in waters off this division during this festive season to eradicate unlawful activities including encroachment by illegal immigrants to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The increased patrols in Bintulu waters are also to ensure that the maritime community complies with the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

In a statement released today, Bintulu MMEA said it would make sure there were no violations of law by the local maritime community and no encroachment by foreign vessels during the period of movement control order (MCO) announced by the federal government effective from May 12 until June 7 and the conditional movement control order in Bintulu division from April 27 to May 17 to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19.

Acting Director of Bintulu Maritime Zone, Maritime Commander Effendy Mohamed Fadil said a total of 90 officers and personnel of the MMEA were on duty during the festive season this year to safeguard the safety of the country’s waters.

He added Bintulu MMEA was also involved in patrolling the boat jetty areas in Sungai Kemena regularly with other enforcement agencies.    

During the patrols, several officers and MMEA personnel will be tasked to monitor the level of SOP compliance among boat operators and passengers to curb the spread of Covid-19 under the Infectious Diseases Prevention Act 1988.

Effendy reminded the maritime community, especially in Bintulu, to prioritise safety while at sea by always wearing safety jackets and complying with all instructions issued by the government.

The public are encouraged to report any information on illegal activities to the MERS 999 line or the Bintulu MMEA operations centre at 086-314 254/ Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre (082-432544) which operates 24 hours.

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