KOTA KINABALU – A joint maritime enforcement operation in Sabah and Labuan recorded 36 arrests and 1,098 inspections during an 11-day operation aimed at strengthening enforcement and monitoring of fishing activities.
Operation MARDOF Sabah 5/2026, which is in its fifth year, was conducted from August 4 to 14 across a wide area covering Labuan and several coastal districts in Sabah.
The operation involved the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) in Sabah and the Sabah Fisheries Department (DOF), with enforcement activities extending from the waters off Labuan, Sipitang and Kuala Penyu to Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna.
Sabah and Labuan Maritime director Maritime First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid said cooperation between the two agencies had extended beyond enforcement activities to include inspections, information sharing and engagement with fishing industry stakeholders.
“The synergistic approach between the two agencies is not only focused on enforcement, but also involves non-operational engagement, inspections on boats and fish landing jetties and the exchange of intelligence information related to the illegal entry of fish bombs,” he said.
According to Mohd Khairulanuar, the combined capabilities of the agencies allowed enforcement resources to be deployed more effectively while widening the reach of monitoring activities involving the fishing community and other maritime stakeholders.
He said the number of arrests recorded during the latest operation was three times higher than the figure recorded in 2025, with the cases involving arrests made by Maritime Malaysia, the Fisheries Department and through joint enforcement efforts.
The latest operation brought together personnel from six Maritime Zones covering Sabah and Labuan, alongside district fishing bases across the state.
In addition to inspections and enforcement activities, the agencies exchanged intelligence concerning the illegal entry and use of fish bombs. The information-sharing effort was intended to support further enforcement and improve monitoring in areas considered vulnerable to violations.
Inspection activities were conducted at major fishing jetties within the maritime zones, as well as at bagang and other locations identified as high-risk areas for potential offences.
The operation also incorporated a preventive search and rescue (SAR) element to strengthen preparedness for possible emergencies at sea. The approach allowed personnel involved in enforcement activities to remain alert to maritime safety concerns while carrying out their duties.
Authorities also conducted non-operational engagement activities as part of the wider cooperation between the agencies. These included boat inspections, checks at fish landing jetties and coordination involving operational information.
The joint initiative also included friendly sporting activities involving personnel from Maritime Malaysia and the Sabah Fisheries Department. The activities provided an opportunity for personnel from both agencies to strengthen working relationships outside their operational duties.
The closing ceremony for Operation MARDOF Sabah 5/2026 was officiated by Maritime Commander Siti Khairunnisak Abd Aziz, Chief Assistant Director of Maritime Enforcement and Exercise for Sabah and Labuan, who represented the Sabah and Labuan Maritime director.
The operation reflects continued cooperation between maritime enforcement and fisheries authorities in monitoring coastal waters and fishing-related activities.
Maritime Malaysia said it would continue strengthening integrated operations of this nature to support maritime safety, compliance with the law and the sustainability of waters around Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
