SHAH ALAM, July 26 — The Coordinated Maritime Joint Patrol Operation (Patkor Optima) series 29A/2022 is for Malaysian and Indonesian maritime enforcement agencies to identify current issues involving cross-border crimes.
Maritime Enforcement and Coordination Division deputy director, First Maritime Admiral V. Pannir Selvan said Patkor Optima’s operation, which was carried out along the waters of the Straits of Melaka from yesterday until August 5, is one of the best methods of solving cross-border offences.
He said as many as 12 assets from Malaysia and five assets from Indonesia were mobilised to conduct surveillance along the Straits of Melaka to ensure that the waters on the border of the two countries are safe and free from cross-border crimes.
“The exercise and operation are very important to be conducted again considering that the Straits of Melaka is the world’s main shipping route and it is also a hot spot for cross-border criminal activities.
“Collaboration and understanding in enforcing the law between law enforcers from these two countries are very important to ensure that the Malaysian and Indonesian communities always work together in efforts to combat cross-border crime and it requires integrated commitment among all parties involved,” Pannir Selvan said in a statement.
He added that criminal offences such as smuggling of migrants, drugs and contraband goods as well as the issue of trespassing by fishing boats are criminal activities that usually occur in the Straits of Melaka.
“Therefore, the coordination of operations through Patkor Optima is crucial to maintain peace and security in the waters of both countries,” Pannir Selvan said.
The admiral said the bi-annual operation this time saw Malaysia hosting the opening ceremony with an integrated implementation coordinated by the Maritime Enforcement and Coordination Division, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Malaysian Maritime) as well as the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM).
Pannir Selvan said Patkor Optima this time will start with a presentation and discussion session between the two countries before going to the sea patrol phase and is expected to end on Aug 5 with the closing ceremony in Indonesia.
— Bernama
