A total of ten international yachts in the south of Pulau Langkawi were inspected yesterday by the Kedah and Perlis Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA Kedah and Perlis) to ensure compliance with the Movement Control Order (MCO), including the prohibition of landing by crews.

The operation was conducted in compliance with the circular issued by the Malaysia Marine Department (JLM) of Kedah and Perlis. Maritime Deputy Director Capt Zulinda Ramly said that during the MCO period no foreign yachts were permitted to enter the Malaysian waters.

In addition to the operation, the One Marine Police Force of Langkawi City, the JLM and the Langkawi District Health Office joined the operation.

"These yachts had been in Langkawi waters before the MCO. As a safeguard measure, however, the crew could not land and were required to quarantine in a JLM area, "he said in a statement.

Besides, Zulinda said the MMEA used its air assets to control Pulau Perak using the AW139 helicopter

"We found that only a few fishing boats were involved in fishing activities as a result of monitoring. That is a positive signal that the maritime community is becoming increasingly aware of the second phase of the MCO, he said.

He said that MMEA has always been committed to ensuring Malaysia's water is safe, including to adhere to the MCO.