SEPANG – Two officers from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, were injured after their patrol boat was rammed while chasing a suspected smuggling vessel carrying illegal immigrants (PATI) near Negeri Sembilan waters last night.
According to Melaka and Negeri Sembilan Maritime Director, Captain Maritime Salehuddin bin Zakaria, the incident unfolded at around 8.00 pm when the Lumut Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) detected a suspicious boat in the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) waters, believed to be heading towards Tanjung Rhu, Sepang.
In response, assets from the Malaysian Maritime Patrol, operating under Op Patkor Optima, were deployed to intercept the vessel. However, the suspected smuggling boat, equipped with three high-powered engines, reacted aggressively to avoid capture.
“The boat not only attempted to evade arrest but also rammed into the left side of our enforcement vessel, causing severe damage before fleeing towards international waters,” said Captain Salehuddin.
The impact left two maritime officers injured – one sustained injuries to the nose, while another suffered wounds to his arms and legs. Both were immediately rushed to Port Dickson Hospital for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities believe the boat, suspected of carrying undocumented migrants, diverted away from Malaysian waters after failing in its attempt to land. Intensive detection and follow-up operations are now being carried out to track down the suspects and dismantle the smuggling network behind the attempt.
Captain Salehuddin stressed that the maritime agency treats cases of human smuggling very seriously as they pose a direct threat not only to national security but also to the safety of migrants and enforcement officers alike.
“This incident is a reminder that maritime enforcement is a high-risk profession. Our officers face real dangers at sea daily – from ramming attacks to life-threatening confrontations – all in the line of duty to protect our nation’s borders,” he added.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in curbing illegal sea entries into Malaysia, particularly in strategic waters where smugglers continuously test the resolve of enforcement agencies. – Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia