KUCHING: Sarawak is in the process of procuring assets and recruiting personnel for its soon to be launched Sarawak Coast Guard (SCG), said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
He said the SCG, which was mooted in October last year, is to address various issues including encroachment by foreign and local fishing vessels as well as loss of revenue from the state’s vast sea resources.
“This year will see continuous efforts towards the inception of the Sarawak Coast Guard Division,” he said at a gathering to mark the third anniversary of the State Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPN) at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, the state administrative centre, here.
When announcing the setting up of the SCG last year, he said RM90 million had been allocated under the state’s 2020 budget for the procurement of three patrol boats and recruitment of 50 personnel.
He said the formation of the coast guard unit was made possible through amendments to the state’s Fishery Ordinance 2003. – Bernama
