CLOSER WATCH ON TOURISTS LEAVING MALAYSIAN WATERS

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency
(MMEA) will keep closer surveillance on tourists leaving Malaysian waters during
the Eid ul-Fitr to prevent them from entering third countries illegally.

Director-general Mohd Amdan Kurish said 2,000 members had been
directed to step up surveillance along the coastline to prevent such activiites
during the festive season.

"We fear that tourists from Afghanistan and Pakistan will use the festive
season to illegally enter a third country like Australia.

"They may feel that security will be lax during Eid ul-Fitr," he told
reporters after presenting cookies to MMEA members who would be on duty during
the festive occasion.

Mohd Amdan said of the 932 spot checks carried out nationwide in September
and October last year, 66 cases involved offences on permits and licences,
encroachment by foreign fishermen and entry of illegal immigrants.
-- BERNAMA