KOTA KINABALU – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is sending security teams from Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), Special Action Units, Maritime Intelligence Unit, and air military aircraft to track the suspects who shot two MMEA personnel in Kunak waters at 8.30am today.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, maritime commander Dr Suzanna Razali Chan, said one of the victims, junior maritime petty officer, Zainal Abad Komel, 45, sustained injuries in the right eye during the incident this morning.
“The second victim who was on the same boat, identified as maritime leading seaman, Prayrie De Cuella Jimin, 35, was injured on both hands when returning fire.
“Four other enforcement personnel were unharmed,” Chan said in a statement today.
The MMEA personnel were on the boat Banggi 48, which was captained by Zainal.
Chan said the two injured personnel are currently being treated at the Kunak Hospital.
In the shootout incident this morning, the MMEA personnel were on patrol as part of Ops Khas Pagar Laut in Kunak waters when their boat spotted a vessel being navigated suspiciously in the waters at 0.2 nautical mile northeast of Kampung Pangi, Kunak.
However, upon approaching the vessel, three suspects opened fire at the officers.
Earlier today, Sabah and Federal Territory of Labuan MMEA director Maritime first admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik was reported as urging the public to refrain from making any speculations about the incident, and said the investigation of the case is still ongoing. – April 7, 2024