KUANTAN: Malaysia plays an important role in maritime security in the region as it straddles one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.
United States embassy chargé d’affaires Manu Bhalla pointed out that Malaysia was on the front lines of combating transnational organised crime, drug and wildlife trafficking as well as illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
“The visit by our enforcement ships is just one example of the strong partnership between the US and Malaysia on maritime security and maritime law enforcement.
“That is why we are undergoing joint training to improve maritime skills and knowledge in various aspects between the two countries.
“This partnership supports Malaysia’s efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as uphold international law,” said Bhalla at the close of a joint exercise between the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in the South China Sea.
Present were MMEA enforcement and coordination division director Maritime Rear-Admiral Aminuddin Abdul Rashid and USCG vessel Cutter Munro commanding officer Captain Rula F. Deisher.
Aminuddin said that the inaugural exercise provided wider proactive exposure on maritime security and shipping to more than 30 officers in the four-day collaboration, which started on Aug 27.
“We are learning a lot in terms of preparedness and maritime enforcement operations – like illegal fishing and unauthorised encroachement – in which the US Coast Guard is more experienced as we have only been operating for 18 years,” he said.
The Cutter Munor is a six-year-old ship which carries a helicopter and three small boats.
Among the exercises carried out were search drills (interdiction) and ‘Damage Control Fire Fighting’ (DCFF), while MMEA officers also boarded the USCGC Munro to examine the capabilities of the ship.
Aminuddin revealed that two MMEA officers also participated in on-board training with USCG Cutter Munro to expose them to deeper maritime and navigational knowledge.
“They will learn how to work on a ship like this. For me this kind of experience is hard to get, whereby (USCG Cutter Munro) agreed to accept our officers on board to sail to Thailand until Singapore.
“I invited Captain Deisher to share her experience as a female ship commanding officer with our young officers, especially women, in our effort to produce more women commanders,” he said.
Deisher said the exercise was an exciting affair with the MMEA, as it provided greater insights on the inter-operability of enforcement agencies from other nations.
“I am sure the on-board training and capacity-building measures were invaluable to both parties, in our efforts to improve coordination in safe-guarding territorial waters,” said Deisher. – airtimes.my
