Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency launches Ops Khas Pagar Laut 2026 to strengthen security during Ramadan and Aidilfitri, targeting cross-border crime
PASIR PUTEH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) has reactivated Ops Khas Pagar Laut 2026 to bolster national waters security throughout Ramadan and Aidilfitri.
The operation, running from 27 February to 10 April, aims to curb cross-border criminal activities.
APMM Kelantan Director Maritime Captain Kamal Mohamad said the operation was reactivated following the detection of changes in the modus operandi of cross-border crime syndicates.
“We found that parties involved in these crimes have changed their modus operandi by using the country’s waterways to carry out illegal activities… therefore, this operation is implemented to curb such activities,” he told reporters after the operation’s launch.
He stated the operation also focuses on high-risk waters identified for cross-border crime, especially during the festive season.
Kamal said the operation’s previous implementation record proves the effectiveness of an integrated approach through close inter-agency cooperation.
This cooperation is crucial in curbing intrusion, smuggling, and the entry of illegal immigrants into Malaysia.
“Last year, APMM recorded four arrest cases involving various offences under the Fisheries Act 1985, Immigration Act 1959/63, and Customs Act 1967 with seizure value totalling RM1.46 million,” he said.
He added that his team will continue to strengthen monitoring in Kelantan waters, including areas near the border.
This is to ensure no elements of intrusion or illegal activities occur throughout the operation period.
Kamal said the readiness level of personnel and assets is also being enhanced through continuous assignments, scheduled patrols, and intelligence-based operations.
This enables immediate action against any detected threats.
“The success of Ops Khas Pagar Laut highly depends on strategic cooperation between enforcement agencies besides support from the maritime community and the sacrifice of officers and personnel to ensure the sovereignty of the country’s waters is always preserved,” he said.
The Sun Malaysia
