ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will enhance its patrols in key maritime hotspots within national waters under Operation Guard 4.0 to curb illegal immigration.

In a statement today, the MMEA outlined its strategies, including strengthened personnel monitoring at the Malaysian Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA) and the use of increased aerial assets to track and monitor suspicious boat or ship movements within the nation's waters.

"Efforts to gather intelligence have been intensified, and we are actively exchanging information with our counterparts in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.

"We will also continue our collaboration with the local maritime community to ensure swift information sharing," the agency said.

The MMEA highlighted the challenges posed by Langkawi's geographical position, surrounded by numerous islands and vast waters, making it difficult to detect the entry of illegal immigrants, particularly from Myanmar.

The agency added that boats transporting illegal immigrants to Langkawi often disguise themselves as local fishing vessels, operating primarily during night time or early morning hours to evade detection. Despite these challenges, the MMEA is determined to continue its efforts to combat illegal immigration.

As part of Op Guard 4.0, both maritime and aerial assets are being deployed to secure Malaysia's waters and prevent unlawful intrusions.

Launched in Dec 2022, Op Guard is a coordinated operation involving the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Marine Police Force, and the Malaysian Immigration Department. Its primary objective is to tackle illegal immigration, particularly in the Langkawi region, which has been a focal point for such activities.

According to the MMEA, the operations have successfully deterred the entry of illegal immigrants, notably members of the Rohingya ethnic group from Myanmar, from entering Langkawi between 2023 and 2024.

"The last group of Rohingya immigrants to enter Langkawi was on Dec 23, 2022, involving a total of 36 individuals," the MMEA said.

Recent media reports revealed that authorities had detained 196 illegal immigrants from Myanmar after their boat became stranded off Pantai Teluk Yu, Langkawi, early Friday morning.

In addition, two boats carrying 300 illegal immigrants from Myanmar were detected and turned away from Malaysian waters later that same day. These boats were located two nautical miles southwest of Pulau Rebak, Langkawi.

-- BERNAMA