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By Yee Mei
MIRI, July 18: Efforts are being made to procure three larger fast patrol vessels to enable the Sarawak Coast Guard to go on longer and further patrols to protect the State’s marine parks, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“We have marine parks that we have to secure and to be safe in that area to complement the assets of other agencies.
“We have declared our marine parks, and we have to secure our territorial marine parks,” he said at the launching of six island-class patrol vessels and the Miri Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) headquarters today.
With the launching of the vessels, UKPS now owns six island-class patrol vessels.
Abang Johari also said it was an honour to officiate at the launching of the Miri UKPS headquarters. He noted that the unit has been expanding in stages with its aim to establish headquarters in Sejingkat, Tanjung Manis, Bintulu, and Lawas, with it being managed by the Public Works Department (JKR) under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
“I can assure you Sarawak is the only State having this (coast guard). Not that we want to be proud, but in my opinion, it is our responsibility to take care of the security of our State. There is no one else who can take care of us other than ourselves,” he said.
In a press conference, he elaborated that the vessels are equipped with advanced technology such as water jets and the ability to digitally trace other ships.
The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the deployment of UKPS officers and assets at Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) sites, between UKPS and SFC in implementing enforcement duties.
Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Deputy Sarawak Secretary, Deputy State Secretary; and UKPS director Datu Dr Chai Khin Chung were at the event. — DayakDaily
