New Straits Times 9 Jul 11;
JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has proposed to the Johor government to create a dedicated passage for sand vessels plying in its waters to curb sand smuggling.
MMEA Southern Region enforcement chief First Admiral (Maritime) Zulkifli Abu Bakar said this would enable the agency to monitor the movement of sand vessels and nab those who tried to smuggle sand to Singapore.
He said the MMEA also proposed that all sand vessels to be fitted with an automatic identification system (AIS) to enable their movements to be detected and prevent them from straying off course.
He added that the proposals, which were submitted to the state government recently, would help MMEA to nab sand smugglers.
"The AIS will enable us to detect whether sand vessels are plying the route or had ventured into international waters.
"If the installation of the device is approved, sand vessels will be compelled to ensure that they are in good working order, otherwise action will be taken against the operators, including cancellation of permits."
Zulkifli said the state government should also install equipment to monitor the movement of sand vessels from Johor and Singapore in Johor waters as the Straits of Johor was narrow and hindered by the causeway.
He said MMEA had also proposed to shorten the duration of sand delivery permit from one week to 24 hours to prevent abuse. -- Bernama
