KANGAR - A Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officer was killed and three others were injured when their patrol boat hit a wall off the coast at Sungai Padang, in Kuala Perlis waters, near here, early Tuesday.
Intelligence Unit member Senior Maritime Warrior (Technical) Mohd Roshaimi Mohd Ridzuan, 41, was pronounced dead. The boat is believed to have hit the wall at about 12.30am while chasing another boat suspected of carrying illegal immigrants during a surveillance and border control operation.
Kangar district police chief ACP Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop confirmed to Bernama that police received a report of the incident, which occurred at around 11pm on Monday. However, he said further details could only be released by the MMEA.
“I can only confirm receiving the report of this incident, but further information regarding this incident can only be released by the MMEA,” he said.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail expressed his condolences over Mohd Roshaimi’s death in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
He said the loss was a great one, not only for the late officer’s family and loved ones but also for the entire MMEA, especially colleagues who had served alongside him.
According to Saifuddin, Mohd Roshaimi had devoted his energy, expertise and commitment to safeguarding the security and sovereignty of the nation’s waters.
“Every service and sacrifice he gave is deeply appreciated and will continue to be remembered.
“To the late officer’s family, I and the entire Home Ministry extend our heartfelt condolences,” he said.
Saifuddin also hoped the family would be given strength, patience and fortitude, and prayed that Allah SWT would forgive the late officer’s sins, accept his deeds and place his soul among the faithful and righteous.
The MMEA is expected to hold a press conference on the incident this afternoon.