MMEA Launches Internal Probe Following Fatal Kuala Perlis Boat Collision

KUALA NERANG, Oct 28 – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will launch a comprehensive internal investigation into a fatal boat collision that claimed the life of an officer during an operational pursuit in waters off Perlis late Monday night.

MMEA Deputy Director-General (Operations) Maritime Vice-Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah stated that the internal review will evaluate operational procedures, equipment efficacy, and personnel training protocols to prevent recurring maritime accidents.

“For every operation, the MMEA has specific SOPs in place, and our personnel are constantly reminded to comply with them. Whenever an incident occurs, a post-mortem or internal investigation is conducted to identify shortcomings that can be addressed through improvements,” Mohd Zawawi said while attending the officer’s funeral service.

The late Senior Maritime Petty Officer (Technical) Mohd Roshaimi Mohd Ridzuan, 41, was laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery of Masjid Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah in Kuala Nerang on Tuesday night.

Mohd Roshaimi died after the MMEA vessel collided with an underwater concrete structure off Kuala Sungai Padang near Kuala Perlis around 11:00 PM on Monday, October 26, while chasing a boat suspected of smuggling undocumented migrants. Three other MMEA crew members sustained injuries in the impact.

Investigation Scope, Operational Safety, and Family Welfare

Key investigative focus areas, operational background, and family support commitments include:

• SOP & Equipment Review: The internal investigation will analyze maritime standard operating procedures, night-pursuit training, and tactical vessel equipment, with findings expected within a few weeks.
• Collision Circumstances: The patrol craft struck a concrete marine structure during a high-speed pursuit of a vessel carrying suspected undocumented migrants near Kuala Sungai Padang.
• Casualties & Operational Morale: Senior Maritime Petty Officer Mohd Roshaimi was killed, while three crew members were injured. MMEA leadership affirmed that front-line personnel remain fully committed to protecting national maritime borders.
• Dependents’ Welfare Support: The agency pledged full financial and procedural welfare assistance to Mohd Roshaimi’s surviving widow and two school-aged children.

–NMT