3-1-2025 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has intensified its search operations for two vessels suspected of carrying undocumented Myanmar nationals, following a dramatic rescue operation earlier today where nearly 200 migrants were saved from a capsized boat.
Maritime authorities have ramped up surveillance efforts after the pre-dawn incident at Pantai Teluk Yu, Langkawi, where 196 Myanmar nationals were detained following their vessel’s capsizing at approximately 3:25 AM local time.
MMEA Director-General Rosli Abdullah announced the launch of Operation Guard, which has seen a significant boost in maritime patrols around the region. “We’ve substantially increased our presence in the waters surrounding northern Langkawi and along our territorial boundaries,” Abdullah told reporters at a press briefing.
The enforcement agency has deployed both maritime and aerial assets in their hunt for the two vessels, which intelligence reports suggest are attempting to enter Malaysian waters. “Our aerial reconnaissance units are conducting extensive sweeps of the area,” Abdullah explained, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the search operation.
In a demonstration of regional cooperation, Malaysian authorities have established communication channels with their Thai counterparts to share intelligence regarding the vessels’ potential movements. The MMEA is working closely with Thai officials to monitor any suspicious maritime activity that could indicate the presence of the missing boats.
