MMEA, ABF Strengthen Cooperation To Combat Cross-Border Crime

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) have strengthened operations, information exchange and enforcement readiness, particularly in tackling cross-border crime threats.

MMEA Acting Deputy Director-General (Operations) Maritime Rear Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said this followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both agencies today, complementing the long-standing bilateral relationship.

“Cooperation between MMEA and ABF enters a stronger phase with the signing of this new MoU, and it represents a joint commitment to strengthen strategic maritime cooperation, including training, operations and intelligence information exchange to safeguard regional waters.

“Under the MoU, several key focus areas have been identified including joint training, human capital development, research and sharing of best practices, maritime operations and capacity enhancement, with information exchange also strengthened according to respective jurisdictions,” he said when speaking to reporters here today.

He was met after the MoU signing session with ABF Maritime Border Command Deputy Commander Linda Cappello at the closing ceremony of Operation Redback Series 21/2025 here today.

Mohd Zawawi said the implementation of Operation Redback with the ABF was an important platform to strengthen patrols, intelligence and maritime enforcement.

He said the close ties developed through Operation Redback had enhanced cooperation between MMEA and ABF, making Malaysian and Australian waters safer from criminal exploitation, particularly human trafficking.

“For the record, over the past five years, MMEA has recorded 33 arrests under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) 2007, proving the agency’s commitment to combating cross-border crime,” he said.

He added that Op Redback Series 21/2025, held over five days from Nov 24 to 28 in Penang, also included expertise-sharing sessions and simulation training by ABF officers, sea enforcement operations by MMEA and engagement programmes with fishing communities.

He said during the on-field programme, MMEA and ABF conducted safety briefings and presented contributions to recipients at two locations, namely Kampung Sungai Cenaam and Sungai Gelugor.

“In the briefings delivered, fishermen were also reminded not to be involved in maritime crimes and were urged to channel information to Maritime Operations Centres nationwide or call the emergency line 999 if they notice suspicious activities in national waters,” he said.

Through these integrated efforts, he said, the MMEA hoped that national waters would no longer be used as a transit hub for human trafficking syndicates, ensuring Malaysia’s maritime security remained protected.

-- BERNAMA