South China Sea safe, says Johari Baharum

KUCHING: The South China Sea is safe for all maritime activities including fishing and commerce, said Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Mohd Johari Baharum.
He said there had been no encroachments in Malaysian waters as reported in social media, and that the situation was under control.
"I want to stress that our waters are safe and we are always in a state of preparedness. We are 100 – prepared," he told reporters after launching the Rakan Maritime (Rakam) initiative on KD Perak here today.
He said the launch of the first Rakam programme in Sarawak today was an effort by the Defence Ministry to ensure Malaysian waters were safe for all citizens while at sea.
Meanwhile, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) chief, Admiral Datuk Seri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad said the communities living along the coastal areas, especially fishermen should not worry about carrying out fishing activities.
"At least two RMN ships are in constant state of preparedness in the South China Sea for monitoring purposes. If there is a need or a suspicious situation arises, we will send in more assets," he said.
He said RMN was also working with the Royal Malaysian Air Force to conduct air surveillance while the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will be using its Bombadier planes.
"In fact, the fishermen and crew of commercial ships which pass through the South China Sea can also help by being the eyes and ears of the security forces through the Rakam initiative which we launched today," he said.
Through Rakam, fishermen or shipping crew out at sea can quickly contact the nearest naval base to inform them if they detect any suspicious activity. — Bernama