MMAE tightens control in Lahad Datu waters

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has tightened control in the waters off Lahad Datu, Sabah with the cooperation from security forces, including the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to face possible threats from the armed intruders from the Philippines.

Its director-general Admiral Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish said three maritime vessels and six patrol boats were patrolling in the waters now.

"Prior to this, we have three ships patrolling in Lahad Datu, two of them at sea, and the other one on standby.

"However, in view with the intrusion issue, we have deployed six MMEA boats based in Sandakan, Sabah to increase control in the waters," he told reporters after the opening of Malaysian Maritime Academy and Training Centre, now known as Sultan Ahmad Shah Maritime Academy (AMSAS) in Gebeng here today.

The event was graced by Sultan of Pahang Sultan Ahmad Shah and was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.