MMEA to probe fatal boat collision off Perlis

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will conduct an internal investigation into a boat collision that killed one of its personnel in the waters off Perlis early yesterday morning.

MMEA intelligence officer Roshaimi Ridzuan was killed when his patrol boat was forced against a concrete structure during a chase involving undocumented migrants. Three other MMEA officers were injured during the incident in the waters off Kuala Sungai Padang, near Kuala Perlis.

MMEA deputy director-general (operations) Zawawi Abdullah said the agency’s investigation would determine whether its standard operating procedures (SOPs) needed to be improved to prevent similar incidents.

He said the agency had specific SOPs for every operation and regularly reminded its personnel to comply with them.

“Whenever an incident occurs, a post-mortem or internal investigation is conducted to identify weaknesses that can be addressed,” he said after Roshaimi’s funeral in Kuala Nerang, Kedah, last night.

Zawawi said the investigation would also examine other areas for improvement, including personnel training and operational equipment.

He said the investigation would start as soon as possible and could take several weeks to complete.

Zawawi also said the agency would ensure that Roshaimi’s widow and two schoolgoing children received appropriate assistance.