Successful Joint Malaysia-Indonesia Maritime Operation

ALOR STAR, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- A 10-day coordinated operation by Malaysian and Indonesian enforcement agencies in the Straits of Melaka codenamed "Ops Patkor Optima", which ended yesterday, had achieved its objectives.

Ops Patkor Optima director, Commander Wan Burhanuddin Jusoh said the Malaysian enforcement agencies detained three of 108 vessels they inspected under the Fisheries Act 1985 and Immigration Act 1959.

The Indonesian agencies, meanwhile, detained two of 455 vessels they checked under the Fisheries Act, he said in a statement here today.

However, the statement did not state where the vessels were registered.

The annual joint operation was aimed at maintaining peace and security in the Straits of Melaka to prevent piracy, smuggling and activities which contravene the maritime law.

Wan Burhanuddin said it was also aimed at improving the security and confidence of vessels plying the Straits of Melaka that the Malaysian and Indonesian authorities could ensure their safety.

Seven ships and four aircraft from the Malaysian enforcement agencies and eight ships and one aircraft from the Indonesian side with a total 450 personnel took part in the operation.

The Malaysian enforcement agencies involved were the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Royal Malaysian Air Force, marine police, police's air wing, Customs, Fisheries Department, Marine Department, Immigration Department, Department of Environment, and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

The Indonesian agencies involved were the Indonesian armed forces, navy, Directorate General of Customs and Excise, coast guard, police and Immigration Department.

The operation was launched at the Indonesian naval base (Lantamal) by Lantamal 1 First Admiral Al Sadiman SE at Belawan, Sumatra on Nov 1.

Malaysian Maritime Coordination and Enforcement Centre director, First Admiral Datuk Pahlawan Mohd Rashid Harun closed the operation in Langkawi today.