Tawau MP : MMEA has done a good job

Liew presenting ang pows to the residents at the Air Panas Old Folks Home.

TAWAU: Tawau MP Datuk Christina Liew has commended the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for its role in strengthening security control in the region by curbing illegal immigrants’ entry and smuggling activities.

She said Tawau citizens feel assured of their safety with the MMEA’s 24-hour temporary sea checkpoint (TSCP) in place here.

“From media reports, we have learned that the MMEA’s successful operations have resulted in the arrests of offenders, and seizures of drugs such as syabu, and cartons of cigarettes in the Tawau waters. The presence of TSCP will keep human traffickers, undocumented people, smugglers and fish bombers at bay. It has done a good job since its activation in April last year,” she said.

The former Deputy Chief Minister was speaking to reporters on Monday after visiting the Tawau Air Panas Old Folks Home.

Liew was commenting on a Bernama report that since the TSCP was activated in April 2020, in line with the implementation of ‘Op Cegah Pati’, it had chased away 15 suspicious boats which had also attempted to smuggle migrants into the country.

Tawau Maritime Zone Director, Captain V. Siva Kumar was quoted as saying that currently, the MMEA’s KM Pintarvessel, with its 20 personnel, is operating as the TSCP.

Earlier, Liew gave out ang pows to about 30 residents at the Home, and extended Chinese New Year greetings to them. 

She was accompanied by the Home Superintendent Rahman Osman and Tawau Parliamentary Chief Liaison Officer, Fung Thin Yein.