KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 10, 2013): The Subang Maritime Air Station which opened today will be the main pillar to help the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in search and rescue (SAR) missions in the country’s waters.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim said the agency’s new asset highlights the development and capabilities of maritime air operations, besides making an impact on the role and responsibilities entrusted to them.
“It is generally known that the country’s waters need to be monitored for security as the seas are an important economic resource besides acting as trade routes for ships.
“We hope to achieve success in the future with this air station, which includes eradicating sea piracy, encroachment by foreign fishermen and drug trafficking,” he said when opening the station in Subang, near here today. Also present was MMEA director-general, Datuk Mohd Amdan Kurish.
The station which cost RM54 million was completed in November 2011. Shahidan said to beef up operations, MMEA had received eight helicopters to monitor coasts and for SAR operations since 2007.
He said the agency planned to obtain more assets such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to increase their capability in preserving security in the Malaysian maritime zone.
“MMEA’s long-term plan is to place aircraft at all five air station in Langkawi, Kerteh, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan,” he said.
At a news conference later, Shahidan said MMEA will propose for higher allocation in the 2014 Budget for new asset procurement and upgrading its old assets. – Bernama
Via: http://www.thesundaily.my/
