Malaysia-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation Strengthens Security in Melaka Strait
Alor Gajah, The Gulf Observer: Close partnerships between ASEAN nations, particularly Malaysia and Indonesia, continue to reinforce maritime security in the strategic Melaka Strait, a key international waterway prone to cross-border smuggling and illegal activities.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), particularly in Melaka and Negri Sembilan, faces the immense challenge of monitoring a 15-nautical-mile (27.28-kilometer) stretch from Kuala Linggi to Pulau Rupat, Indonesia. This high-risk zone is vulnerable to criminal syndicates, as high-speed boats can traverse it in just 30 minutes, making illegal smuggling a persistent threat.
However, Malaysia and Indonesia’s coordinated intelligence and joint operations under ASEAN’s framework have significantly curtailed such activities. Quick information exchanges and synchronized enforcement actions have successfully intercepted smuggling networks, foreign fishing vessel intrusions, and other maritime crimes.
RM10 Million in Seizures and Strategic Maritime Operations
Speaking to Bernama, Melaka and Negri Sembilan MMEA Director, Capt (Maritime) Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz, highlighted that from 2022 to 2024, authorities recorded 138 arrests, with seizures exceeding RM10 million.
“High-profile cases include the confiscation of 11 boats transporting 121 illegal immigrants, two speedboats equipped with six high-powered engines, and a cache of clover cigarettes worth RM2.95 million. Additionally, authorities successfully seized 20 kilograms of illicit drugs,” he stated during an interview marking MMEA’s 20th anniversary.
The Malaysian and Indonesian maritime forces conduct annual coordinated operations, particularly through the Patrol Terkoordinasi Operasi Tindakan Maritim Malaysia-Indonesia (PATKOR OPTIMA MALINDO), now entering its 31st series. This operation plays a pivotal role in enhancing security preparedness along maritime borders.
Additionally, both countries collaborate in intelligence sharing, joint search and rescue (SAR) missions, and the annual Malaysia-Indonesia Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX MALINDO). These exercises aim to test operational effectiveness and standardize ASEAN’s SAR protocols.
High-Tech Surveillance and MMEA’s Strategic Deployment
To bolster enforcement, MMEA has deployed six high-speed intercept boats—PENGGALANG, PETIR, PENGAWAL, BENTENG, and PERKASA—in Melaka and Negri Sembilan’s maritime zones. Surveillance is further enhanced by the Malaysian Maritime Sea Surveillance System (Swasla), stationed at Pulau Undan, capable of tracking 20 to 50 nautical miles.
“Drones are also deployed to monitor hard-to-reach areas, providing real-time intelligence for precise and efficient enforcement actions,” Capt Mohd Khairi added.
MMEA’s 20th Anniversary Celebrations
As MMEA marks its 20th anniversary on February 15, celebrations under the theme ‘Two Decades of Malaysian Maritime, the Shield of the Nation’ will take place in Penang. Key highlights include a fleet review, maritime carnival, parades, rescue demonstrations, and a career exhibition, reflecting MMEA’s commitment to safeguarding Malaysia’s maritime sovereignty.
