200 MMEA personnel to safeguard Johor waters during Ramadan, Aidilfitri

Its director, First Admiral (Maritime) Nurul Hizam Zakaria said the deployment of the personnel, who were also involved in 'Op Jangkar Haram' and 'Op Benteng', would be carried out via rotation.

"We are still maintaining the momentum of the same operations through the optimum mobilisation of assets for Ramadan and also Hari Raya.

"In addition to being on duty during the COVID-19 situation, we will also conduct enforcement to tackle issues of drug smuggling, illegal immigrants and ships dropping anchor illegally," he told reporters after breaking of fast with members of the media in the waters of east of Johor, last night.

The event was held on the ship, KM Perwira and members of the media were also invited to witness the enforcement activities conducted by MMEA.

Meanwhile, Nurul Hizam said 55 ships which dropped anchor illegally in the waters in the state were detained in the 'Op Jangkar Haram' from March 23 until yesterday.

He said among the hotspots of ships to drop their anchor illegally was in the waters of Tompok Utara Johor which was less than 60 metres deep.

The ships would only be released to continue on their journey after paying the fine imposed under Section 491B (1)(L) Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, namely, for dropping anchor without the permission of the Marine Department director, he added.