KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) sailor died after a patrol boat was pinned against a concrete structure while pursuing a boat suspected of carrying undocumented migrants.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the MMEA team were on a routine border security operation when they detected the boat.
"During the chase, our boat was pinned against a concrete structure, and they were injured and one of them died," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Saifuddin said similar incidents had occurred before, including in the Malacca Strait and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esccom) area, describing them as occupational risks.
"In terms of competency, training, processes and procedures, and equipment, MMEA is among the Home Ministry's agencies given priority in terms of assets.
"This is to strengthen their morale," he said.
He also extended his condolences to the deceased sailor's family and said MMEA director-general Rear Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah was with them.
Saifuddin said the victim's burial is being arranged.
Earlier, police confirmed receiving a report on the death of a MMEA sailor and injuries to three others during a border surveillance operation off Perlis early today.
The incident occurred around 12.30am while the sailors were conducting border surveillance and security operations in Perlis waters.
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