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Malaysia: Maritime Enforcement Agency Starts Operations In November
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency will begin operations in November with 20 ships and patrol boats. An agency source said Monday the vessels were part of the 72 ships and boats that would be taken over by the agency in stages from the various existing maritime agencies.Of the 20 ships and boats that would be taken over next month, nine belonged to the Royal Malaysia Police, six Royal Malaysia Navy and five Royal Malaysia Customs. In total, the police would supply 15 ships and boats, navy 19, Fisheries Department 12, Marine Department 21 and customs five. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was reported to have said in mid-May that for a start, the government had approved 4,035 posts to meet the operational needs in five regions which would cover 17 districts and nine bases. On the purchase of 25 new patrol boats to beef up the agency, it is understood that the tender had been issued. The agency, headed by a director-general appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, will be responsible in ensuring the security of the country's maritime zones and protect the maritime interests of Malaysia and other countries. The agency, under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department, would report directly to Najib, who is also Defence Minister. It will be responsible in enforcing federal laws in the country's maritime zones and airspace... ensure peace in Malaysia's territorial waters, involve in search and rescue operations and combat piracy. Posted by: Pappy 2005-06-14 |
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