MIRI: Malaysia recorded 1,124 arrests involving seizures worth RM102.9 million in its waters in 2025, underlining the government’s sustained enforcement push against increasingly sophisticated maritime crime.
The figures, released by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) or Maritim Malaysia, reflect intensified operations targeting a broad spectrum of offences, including illegal foreign fishing, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, contraband, undocumented migrants and cross-border crime.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the scale and complexity of threats at sea required enforcement agencies that were agile, credible and operationally robust, stressing that maritime security was inseparable from national sovereignty.
“Maritime threats are not merely security challenges. They go to the heart of sovereignty, economic stability, and confidence in our sea lanes,” he said.
Shamsul was speaking while delivering the speech of Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail at the 21st anniversary celebration of Maritim Malaysia here today.
He added that beyond enforcement, the agency’s presence in Malaysian waters played a critical role in assuring the maritime community, investors and the shipping industry that the country’s waters remained safe, regulated and under firm control.
“Maritim Malaysia stands as a symbol of national sovereignty and a guarantee that our maritime zones are secure,” he said.
Alongside enforcement operations, Maritim Malaysia also carried out 256 search and rescue missions last year, involving 1,930 victims, of whom 1,768 were successfully rescued, highlighting the agency’s humanitarian role at sea.
To sustain operational momentum, Shamsul said the MADANI government was strengthening the agency’s capabilities through the acquisition of new strategic assets.
Malaysia is expected to receive its first Multi-Purpose Mission Ship, built in Türkiye, by mid-2027, while four AgustaWestland AW189 helicopters will be delivered in stages from July 2026.
He also said Maritim Malaysia had received the ex-USCG Cutter Steadfast from the United States Coast Guard late last year, significantly enhancing long-range patrol and sustained operations, particularly in the South China Sea.
The anniversary celebration also marked the official opening of the Miri Maritime Zone Complex, a RM118.3-million development under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
The complex comprises a modern administrative building, an operational jetty, 95 residential quarters and supporting facilities.
With expanded assets and upgraded infrastructure now in place, Shamsul said Maritim Malaysia was on a firmer footing to safeguard the nation’s waters amid evolving regional and transnational maritime threats.
