MMEA steps up maritime patrols, urging the public to avoid sharing unverified claims about Rohingya migrant smuggling attempts.
ALOR SETAR: Members of the public are urged not to speculate or share unverified information following the circulation of viral social media messages claiming that several boats were attempting to smuggle Rohingya migrants into the country via the coastlines of Kuala Muda, Kuala Kedah, Yan and Penang today.
The director of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for Kedah and Perlis, First Admiral (Maritime) Romli Mustafa said the agency takes seriously every piece of information received concerning threats to the country’s maritime security and sovereignty.
He said the dissemination of inaccurate information could not only cause public unrest but also potentially disrupt surveillance, intelligence and enforcement efforts being carried out by the authorities.
“Every piece of information received will be assessed, reviewed and verified before any action is taken. The public is urged to obtain information from official sources and refrain from spreading unverified allegations as they could create confusion and anxiety among the community,” he said in a statement today.
Romli said MMEA is constantly enhancing its operational readiness through continuous patrols, intelligence-based surveillance and strategic cooperation with other security agencies to curb intrusion attempts or the entry of illegal immigrants through maritime routes.
He said the agency would not compromise on any activities that threaten the country’s maritime security and sovereignty, and assured that every intelligence report is followed up with appropriate enforcement action to ensure the nation’s maritime borders remain secure.
At the same time, Romli urged coastal and fishing communities, as well as those at sea, to continue playing their role as the eyes and ears of the authorities by providing information if they detect any suspicious activities at sea or along coastal areas.
He also reminded the public not to take action themselves against individuals suspected of committing offences, and leave enforcement matters to the relevant authorities.
He said information regarding suspicious activities should be channelled immediately through official MMEA channels or relevant security agencies to enable verification and enforcement actions to be carried out swiftly, effectively and safely.
