ALOR GAJAH: Two Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel from Melaka and Negri Sembilan, who were injured after being rammed by a boat suspected of carrying illegal immigrants off Tanjung Kling last Tuesday, have been discharged from Port Dickson Hospital.
MMEA acting deputy director-general (operations) Rear Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said he visited the two men — Leading Seaman Abdul Rahman Zakariah, 34, and Leading Seaman Muhamad Arif Yahya, 36 — yesterday and found them in good condition.
He said Abdul Rahman, however, still requires follow-up treatment for a nasal injury, while Muhamad Arif sustained only bruises on his legs and arms.
“Alhamdulillah, they did not suffer any permanent or serious injuries, and I can see they are still motivated to continue carrying out their duties.
“I believe this incident will serve as a strong motivation for them to combat smuggling activities — not only involving illegal immigrants, but also drugs and other violations of the law in our waters.
“The MMEA patrol boat also did not suffer major damage and can be repaired for use in operations in Melaka and Negri Sembilan waters,” he said.
He was speaking after officiating the MMEA–Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia Beach Cleaning Programme at Pengkalan Balak Beach here today.
Mohd Zawawi added that the incident would not dampen the agency’s spirit in combating smuggling activities, including those involving illegal immigrants and drugs, in national waters.
He said questioning of the detained illegal immigrants had provided crucial leads regarding the boat that rammed the MMEA asset, and further investigations are underway.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
