BACKGROUND TO THE 2ND HEAD OF ASIAN COAST GUARD AGENCIES MEETING TO BE HELD IN MALAYSIA IN MARCH 2006

1. The increase in piracy in both numbers and seriousness in around the Asian sea lines of communication was of serious concern to littoral states and users of the Asian waterways. Consequently, it was felt that the only way to resolve this problem was by strengthening cooperation and collaboration among the countries concerned. Hence a Preparatory Meeting was held in Singapore in March 2000 to explore effective measures to address this issue. [more]

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) or in Malay; Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM); is the principal government agency tasked with maintaining law and order and coordinating search and rescue operations in the Malaysian Maritime Zone and on the high seas. It is in effect the Coast Guard of Malaysia. The Agency and it's members are part of the Malaysian Civil Service and is placed under the Prime Minister's Department. In times of war, special crisis or emergency the Agency may be placed under the command of the Malaysian Armed Forces by order of the Minister. Currently, the Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Defence, The Hon. Dato' Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak is the Minister responsible for the MMEA. [more]