MMEA does well in protecting national territorial waters: Tengku Abdullah

KUANTAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has managed to curb the encroachment of foreign fishing boats in the national territorial waters due to its presence over the past 13 years, said the Regent of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (pix).
He said such a situation had allowed the country's treasure trove of marine lives and the interest of local fishermen continued to be protected.
"It is undeniable that foreign fishing boats are always trying to encroach into our waters, and that requires a proactive action from the MMEA to prevent it from happening.
"We have rights in our own territorial waters ... If we cannot protect our waters, it is difficult for the fishermen to go to the sea and subsequently, the country's revenue will drop," he said in his speech at the royal banquet with the agency here last night.
Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim and MMEA director-general Admiral (Maritime) Datuk Seri Zulkifili Abu Bakar.
Tengku Abdullah also expressed his pride over the outstanding achievement by the MMEA as well as for its speedy action in handling emergency cases at sea and on islands.
"The presence of MMEA in the country's territorial waters is very important. As such, there is a need for the acquisition of sophisticated assets to provide a safe work environment for those on duty.
"I hope the administration under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak can give due consideration to provide a more sophisticated assets that can be used in the long run," he added. — Bernama