PERAK CHIEF MINISTER COMMENDS MMEA, RMN FOR NABBING PIRATES

LUMUT (Malaysia), Aug 9 (Bernama) -- Perak Chief Minister Dr Zambry Abdul
Kadir today commended the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Royal
Malaysian Navy (RMN) for their efficiency in preventing a gang of pirates from
running off with two local fishing boats, near here, Sunday.

He said the success was important in regaining the confidence of local
fishermen in the enforcement agencies and in encouraging them to go out to sea
to fish without fear, hence increasing fish landings.

Zambry was referring to the MMEA and RMN's success in arresting two male
foreigners, believed to be pirates, while running away with the two boats to
international waters, near Pulau Jarak, about 3am Sunday.

The skipper of one of the fishing boats, however, managed to report the
incident to a boat owner based here.

On being notified of the incident, the MMEA immediately despatched its
vessels, KM Siangin and KM Marlin, to the location, besides asking for
assistance from RMN vessel, KD Laksamana Hang Nadim, and two helicopters (Fennec
and Super Lynx).

They arrested two of the suspects while another three managed to escape.

Thanking the MEEA and RMN on behalf of the state government, Zambry said the
success was meaningful as the problem of local fishermen being harassed by
pirates was not new, but seldom could the pirates be arrested by the
authorities.

Meanwhile, an MMEA spokesman said all the 18 local fishermen in the two
boats were safe and not injured.

He said the two foreign suspects were being remanded for seven days to
assist the investigation.