{
  "id": 6731598,
  "title": "MMEA conducts 720,000 inspections, detains 4,401 since 2023",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/mmea-conducts-720-000-inspections-detains-4-401-since-2023",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T08:46:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1530581/mmea-conducts-720000-inspections-detains-4401-2023"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Since 2023, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has conducted roughly 720,000 inspections and 161 searches, resulting in the detention of 4,401 individuals, all aimed at curbing cross-border crimes in the country's waters. Commander Mohd Khairul Azhar Isahak, the principal assistant director of the MMEA's Maritime Security and Surveillance Division Border Security and Data Branch, highlighted illegal fishing, smuggling, and the entry of illegal immigrants as the primary threats.\n\nThroughout its 21-year existence, illegal fishing has remained a significant issue, affecting both unlicensed local fishermen and foreign fishermen. Out of the 4,401 people detained since 2023, more than 3,100 were linked to illegal fishing, smuggling, and the admission of illegal immigrants. Khairul Isahak appeared as a guest on Bernama TV's Apa Khabar Malaysia programme and discussed the MMEA's operations.\n\nThe agency's effectiveness relies heavily on cooperation from the maritime community, especially fishermen, who serve as the MMEA's eyes and ears, identifying suspicious movements and activities at sea. Isahak urged the maritime community to report suspicious activities, such as locations, times, and descriptions of suspicious boats or vessels, rather than taking matters into their own hands, which could lead to safety risks. To enhance their ties, the MMEA has implemented the Sahabat Maritim programme nationwide, leveraging the maritime community's daily presence at sea.\n\nFor asset enhancement, the MMEA plans to strengthen its capabilities by acquiring two Multi-Purpose Mission Ships (MPMS) from Turkey, allowing operations further out in national waters for extended periods. They have also received an AW189 helicopter for nationwide deployment and are finalizing the procurement of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to bolster monitoring and surveillance in national waters. Additionally, the MMEA, under the Home Ministry, aims to acquire coastal radar systems for several strategic areas, notably in Sarawak and along the east coast of the peninsula, to detect vessel movements up to 50 to 60 nautical miles away, enabling a swift response to suspicious activities.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has carried out about 720,000 inspections and 161 searches since 2023, detaining 4,401 people as part of efforts to combat cross-border crimes in the country’s waters.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}