MMEA STAR TEAM: ELITE UNIT PILLAR OF NATIONAL MARITIME SECURITY

From Noraizura Ahmad

PORT KLANG, March 20 (Bernama) -- Securing the country’s waters spanning over 500,000 square kilometres from the threat of cross-border crime requires high readiness from the Special Task and Rescue Team (STAR Team) of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

As an elite team responsible for carrying out high-risk operations, the STAR Team plays a critical role in ensuring the Malaysia Maritime Zone (ZMM) remains safe from any form of intrusion and violence.

STAR Team Commander Captain Maritime Syuzefril Mat Noor said the team, established in March 2005, has two main responsibilities -- conducting assault operations and special rescue operations in the country's waters.

He said with a strength of 150 members, the team has proven its capability through various major missions, including the rescue operation of the MT Orkim Harmony tanker in the Gulf of Thailand in 2015 together with the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Special Warfare Forces (PASKAL), Op Daulat (2013), and the rescue operation of the drifting ‘Winposh Rampart’ ship in the South China Sea (2022).

"The main role of the STAR Team is special assault and rescue operations, such as operations against maritime terrorism occurring in the country's waters (ZMM), for example, during hostage rescue operations, maritime crimes on ships or facilities at sea.

“We also possess specialised expertise in sea surface rescue operations involving confined spaces or sunken ships, which require us to focus more on special missions. Every day, we conduct training and remain on standby for any threats," he said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.

Syuzefril said the STAR Team also plays an important role in curbing cases of ship robberies by foreigners, most of which have been reported to occur in Johor waters.

"The crimes that occurred included stealing valuable items, threatening the crew and using machetes, all carried out by foreigners using small boats," he said.

Touching on asset modernisation, he said that in conjunction with the 21st anniversary of its establishment, the STAR Team is currently in the process of acquiring 40 units of Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPV) or underwater scooters to enhance diving operation efficiency, in addition to requiring several other assets in line with technological advancements.

He said the team's empowerment is based on the '3M' concept, which stands for Man, Machine, Method, where the efficiency of the members needs to be supported by the latest technology to ensure that every mission is carried out effectively.

He said currently, the team has several assets of its own, including boats, but still uses MMEA assets, including helicopters, to carry out its operations.

In addition to maritime operations, Syuzefril explained that the STAR Team is now expanding tactical capabilities through parachute training, which was previously applied in operations involving 'ghost ships' or crewless vessels drifting in Terengganu waters.

To maintain global standards, the team often undergoes joint training with other elite units such as PASKAL, as well as international training with the US Marine Corps and Japan Coast Guard.

Regarding the selection process, he said that only the best candidates are chosen through a rigorous screening process that includes identity modules, endurance runs (LARAK), water and land fitness tests, and phobia tests before qualifying for a three-month basic commando course.

Syuzefril said the team has received international recognition from the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) after helping to thwart an attempt to transfer illegal crude oil involving the vessels ‘MT Arman 114’ and ‘MT S Tinos’ in 2023.

"This shows that other countries also appreciate the team for their collaborative efforts," he added.

-- BERNAMA