Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has reported the execution of 108 search and rescue (SAR) operations up to May, successfully rescuing 203 out of the 251 victims involved in these incidents. MMEA director-general Admiral Maritime Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah shared these figures, highlighting the agency's critical role in maritime safety.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, during the same period, 36 victims unfortunately lost their lives, and 12 remain missing. Sharing further insights into the 2024 statistics, Mohd Rosli noted that the MMEA recorded 226 cases through its SAR operations, involving a total of 1,348 victims. Of these, 1,259 lives were saved, while 64 individuals died and 25 are still unaccounted for at sea.

To boost operational efficiency, the MMEA has developed its own Carilamat standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure the effectiveness, speed, and safety of every rescue mission. Mohd Rosli emphasized the agency's responsibility to lead SAR operations in the nation's waters, a role enshrined in Sections 6(a) and 6(b) of the MMEA Act 2004 (Act 633), which grants the MMEA the authority to spearhead SAR efforts in the country.

This responsibility, as Mohd Rosli explained, is further reinforced by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) directive No.1, which designates the MMEA as the primary agency for maritime disasters, utilizing the National SAR Manual (Namsar) as its main reference. He stressed that the MMEA is always prepared to respond to emergencies, regardless of time or weather, with assets like patrol boats and helicopters on standby 24/7.

Beyond SAR operations, the MMEA engages in SAR Prevention programs across all states and maritime zones to enhance maritime safety awareness. These initiatives include community briefings, talks, exhibitions, brochure distributions, and joint dialogues with fishermen, all aimed at fostering closer ties with the maritime community.