KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency coastal watch in Sarawak will have two more aircraft by next month.
The agency will station an Agusta Westland 136 and Eurocopter Dauphin helicopter at their base in the state, while waiting for their permanent air wing station here to be completed.
Its Air Operations Unit director, First Admiral Maritime Datuk Zammani Mohd Amin said the agency would now have extra eyes on the oil rigs and Sarawak waters.
"There have been reports of fishing vessels taking shelter under these platforms. The problem is, some of them cook their meals below it," said Zammani yesterday, adding that there are 104 oil platforms operating along Sibu and Bintulu coastlines.
He said Sarawak and Sabah Exclusive Economic Zone was also prone to encroachment by foreign vessels.
"We can't wait for our building to be built while our resources are being taken away. That's why we will begin our air surveillance by next month."
Earlier, MMEA Deputy Director for Management Samsuni Mohd Nor and Sarawak MMEA Commander First Admiral Maritime Ismaili Bujang Pit witnessed the agency's amphibious Bombardier CL-145 aircraft, landing it on Sungai Muara Tebas.
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