A new integrated maritime enforcement agency of Malaysia is expected to begin its operation in the Strait of Malacca on Nov. 30 this year, Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said on Monday.

The agency, named Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), would be primarily responsible for maritime enforcement, search and rescue, surveillance of the waters, and providing support services to other related agencies, Najib said at Malaysia's administrative center Putrajaya as he unveiled the agency.

Najib said that MMEA would take over 72 boats and ships from the existing enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Navy, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Fisheries Department and the Customs Department.

The agency will consist of more than 4,000 people, but for the first phase, only 500 people would be employed and trained, he said.

Najib, who is also the defense minister, said that the agency will be officially launched by Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi some time later.

On Aug. 21, 2002, the Malaysian government decided to set up MMEA as an integrated maritime enforcement body through the merger of existing maritime enforcement agencies.

Najib said that at the early stage, the new enforcement agency's duties would focus on the Malacca Strait. When fully operational, its enforcement will cover 250 nautical miles from the country's coastline.

MMEA will discuss with the Malaysian Navy, Police, Customs and other agencies to identify the areas along the Malacca Strait which need attention, he said, adding that the existing enforcement agencies would operate in other areas as usual.

MMEA would share its base with the Malaysian Navy or other enforcement agencies, he said.

Source: Xinhua