The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will increase patrols in several areas in the east of Sabah exposed to the threat of crime, MMEA Sandakan Maritime District 17 enforcement chief Capt Mohamad Onn Khalil said today.
He said these areas included the waters off Semporna and Tambisan in Lahad Datu.
“We are always in contact with the Marine Operations Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy to ensure monitoring of the areas categorised as exposed to the threat of crime,” he said.
He said this is to reassure the people living along the coast and on nearby islands, particularly fishermen.
The waters off the east coast of Sabah are dotted with about 100 islands, about 20 of which are inhabited, he said.
– Bernama