Maritime agency understaffed

The Star

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) that has been operational since November 2005 needs to double its workforce to function effectively.

Its director-general Datuk Mohammad Nik said the existing 2,000 personnel were being deployed only to areas that were most important, such as enforcement in the Straits of Malacca against pirates, smugglers and illegal fishermen.

“Our programme is expanding with new ships and helicopters being included.

“These new assets will mean more manning, and therefore, we need to review the number of staff we need,” he said, adding that the agency would be submitting its recommendations to the Government for necessary action.

Mohammad was speaking to reporters after presenting service awards for excellence to 138 staff members of the agency.