MMEA OPERATIONS YIELD POSITIVE IMPACT ON SEMPORNA TOURISM INDUSTRY

By Noorazlina Jindeh

SEMPORNA, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Continuous operations by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in collaboration with other agencies have positively impacted Semporna’s tourism industry.

Semporna Maritime Zone director Maritime Commander Amir Shubli said MMEA deploys three patrol boats daily to ensure the safety of tourist vessels while also deterring violations by tour boat operators.

“Making sure that Semporna’s tourism industry continues to thrive is one of MMEA’s objectives. Safety is our top priority, particularly in preventing kidnappings for ransom,” he told Bernama at the Semporna MMEA Complex today.

He said the commitment reflects the agency’s dedication to safeguarding Semporna’s waters, which spans about 1,200 square nautical miles and encompasses 52 inhabited and uninhabited islands.

According to Amir, several foreign countries had previously issued travel advisories against visiting Semporna due to safety concerns, but heightened security measures have now helped rebuild confidence among travellers from those countries.

On July 5, the media reported that 15 diplomatic representatives from 10 countries, namely the United States, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, China, South Korea and Spain, joined a one-day visit to key tourist destinations within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

ESSZone covers 10 districts, namely Semporna, Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, and Tawau.

Amir said that the MMEA continues to face challenges as smugglers employ various tactics, but inter-agency cooperation enables enforcement teams to detect and intercept their activities.

He said commonly smuggled items include controlled-price goods such as diesel, petrol and cooking oil, as well as cigarettes and cosmetic products.

“Last year, the MMEA recorded 40 cases, the majority of which involved smuggling activities, fish bombing, and offences committed by fishing vessels that failed to comply with regulations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bernama had the opportunity to join one of MMEA’s patrol operations in Semporna waters. Most tourist boats cooperated during document inspections involving both vessels and passengers.

Inspections were also conducted on larger vessels and the crew members to ensure that they were not manned by undocumented migrants.

Semporna, home to around 170,000 people, falls under the Semporna parliamentary constituency, which comprises three state constituencies, namely Senallang, Bugaya and Sulabayan.

The Election Commission has set this Saturday as the polling day for the 17th Sabah state election.

For the latest news on the state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php.

-- BERNAMA