26-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
RM200mil in drug hauls seized by MMEA since 2020
ALOR STAR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has seized nearly RM200 million worth of drugs since 2020, reflecting its heightened readiness to tackle cross-border smuggling via the nation's waters.
Its director-general, Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, said this reinforced the Home Minister's recent statement that 80 per cent of drugs entering the country are trafficked by sea.
"MMEA will never compromise when it comes to attempts to smuggle drugs into the country by sea.
"Every inch of our maritime border is our responsibility," he said in a statement today.
Rosli said Malaysia's waters remain a prime target for international drug syndicates, which view maritime routes as the "safer passage" into the country.
He said that from 2020 to June this year, the agency recorded 117 drug-related arrests nationwide with seizures worth nearly RM200 million.
"These are not small numbers. Every successful seizure potentially saves thousands of lives from the grip of drug addiction.
"Therefore, MMEA will continue to intensify operations and intelligence sharing with other enforcement agencies to tackle this issue," he said.
To bolster enforcement capabilities, the agency has expanded its maritime and aerial assets in recent years.
Among its latest strategic assets is the KM Tun Fatimah, currently operating in the South China Sea, along with several next-generation patrol boats deployed at known smuggling hotspots.
The agency is also expecting the arrival of the EX-USCG Cutter Steadfast in November this year and the AW189 helicopter in 2026.
A Multi-Purpose Mission Ship (MPMS) from Turkiye is slated for delivery in 2027.
"These acquisitions not only strengthen our physical capabilities but also enhance our surveillance and operational capacity at sea, proving the Madani government's commitment to equipping MMEA as the nation's maritime security shield," he said.
Rosli also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his attention and approval of the agency's asset requests through the Home Ministry.
