MORE than 80 officers from the Australian Border Force and Malaysia Coast Guard will come together at Klang, Maalaysia for the 13th installment of Operation Redback.
Through the joint operation, ABF and MCG officers are expected to build their operational skills and enhance their preparedness for combating maritime threats including people smuggling, terrorism and human trafficking.
So far this year, the MCG has reported detecting and disrupting 376 cases of people smuggling and maritime crime activities, with 78 cases involving undocumented immigrants totalling 456 persons from several neighbouring countries being arrested.
Home Affairs regional director Chris Waters said Operation Redback reflected the strength of ABF’s enduring partnership with MCG which has grown significantly over the past six years.
“Australia is committed to deepening our engagement with Malaysia and I’m pleased that our bilateral maritime border protection relationship continues to go from strength to strength,” he said.
MCG first admiral maritime Anor bin Jaafar said Operation Redback provided an important opportunity for both countries to hone their maritime border protection capabilities.
“We are committed to continuing this collaboration with the ABF – not only from an enforcement aspect but to ensure officers and members have the skills and knowledge to deal with any situation while performing border security operations,” he said.
