MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has coordinated a total of 15 search and rescue (SAR) operations across Sarawak this year, said its First Vice Admiral, Kamal Ariffin Jusoh.
Speaking at a press conference during the closing ceremony of the Manual Level 2 Tabletop Exercise today (Oct 8), Kamal highlighted the efforts of the Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) in Kuching and the collaboration of various agencies throughout the state.
The SAR cases were divided among four maritime zones: the Sarawak State Maritime headquarters in Kuching handled five cases, the Tanjung Manis maritime zone managed two cases, Bintulu maritime zone dealt with seven cases, and Miri maritime zone responded to one case.
“A total of 33 individuals were involved in these operations, with 29 people found safe, three found dead, and one person still missing,” said Kamal.
This year’s Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) saw the participation of 25 agencies, departments, private sectors, and associations.
The two-day exercise, which ran from Oct 7 to 8, involved 160 participants.
The SAREX Manual Level 2 training focused on a tabletop exercise aimed at discussing and improving permanent search and rescue procedures and existing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Kamal also urged the public to remain vigilant and contact the Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 or MERS 999 in the event of an emergency or suspicious activity at sea. Both lines operate 24 hours a day.
