Smuggler alert at Pulau Pisang

Today Online 3 Jun 08;

KUANTAN — The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has stationed an intelligence unit at Pulau Pisang in Johor to curb smuggling activities including foreigners and goods from neighbouring countries, reported The Star newspaper.

Its director-general Admiral Amdan Kurish was quoted as saying by The Star: “To date, smuggling activities detected on Pulau Pisang are not as serious as portrayed in the media recently.

“This is because the agency conducts patrols in the area at all times and as far as I know, Pulau Pisang is not used as a transit point for illegal foreigners nor for smuggling goods.”

Admiral Amdan was asked to comment on a news report which appeared in a Malay newspaper claiming that the smuggling of illegal foreigners and goods from neighbouring countries in Pulau Pisang had been going on for the past 10 years.

The activities were said to have occurred as there were no patrol boats from any enforcement agency making their rounds in the area, especially at night, reported The Star.

Separately, Admiral Amdan said the MMEA was waiting for the outcome of a discussion between Malaysia and Singapore on the borders of Pedra Branca and Middle Rocks following a decision made by the International Court of Justice on May 23.

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