MMEA assures maritime tourism safety ahead of VM2026

 

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has given its assurances that the country's maritime tourism safety is under control and fully prepared to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

Its director-general, Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, said as Malaysia's main maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue (SAR) agency, MMEA is key to reassuring both domestic and international tourists in its waters. 

He said in 2025, MMEA carried out 256 SAR operations, rescuing 1,768 of 1,930 people, with 125 fatalities. 

"MMEA aims to prevent a rise in maritime accidents caused by negligence or poor safety awareness, especially among maritime tourists and operators," he said in a statement today. 

He said MMEA is on high alert to ensure maritime tourism activities are safe, secure, and standards-compliant year-round.

Rosli said maritime safety requires the commitment of boat operators, tourism agencies, and all involved, not just the MMEA.

"Following safety procedures, including wearing life jackets, carrying emergency kits and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), using registered and seaworthy boats, and checking weather conditions before going out to sea, is essential to prevent accidents and loss of life," he said. 

Rosli said, ahead of VM2026, special focus is on maritime tourism hotspots, including resort islands, coastal waters, ferry routes, and recreational sea activity sites, adding that their approach goes beyond enforcement, focusing on early prevention and safety monitoring to ensure tourists experience Malaysian waters as safe and well-managed. 

Meanwhile, he said MMEA will celebrate its 21st anniversary tomorrow in Miri, Sarawak, under the theme "21 Tahun Maritim Malaysia: Maritim Diperkasa, Samudera Terpelihara, highlighting its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the nation's waters. 

He said the celebration also strengthens ties among the MMEA, maritime communities, tourism and shipping industry players, and related agencies, while promoting maritime safety and public awareness of the agency's role in protecting national waters.

-nst online.