Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is currently examining the use of non-lethal weapons, including electric guns, as part of a more flexible and controlled enforcement approach. Its deputy director-general (Logistics), Maritime Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim, stated that the approach to the use of these weapons aligns with international enforcement practices.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the agency is also evaluating the need for international standard duty sidearms, particularly for high-risk situations such as inspecting foreign fishing vessels or cross-border criminal activities. "The step is important to ensure the safety of the members is always guaranteed when facing uncertain situations at sea," Saiful Lizan mentioned in a statement today.

Earlier, Saiful Lizan represented MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah at the opening ceremony of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) Exhibition and the National Security Asia (NATSEC) Exhibition 2026. He noted that the MMEA is now fully focused on modernising its weaponry system to strengthen enforcement capabilities in the country's waters.

Saiful Lizan highlighted that the current maritime operational environment demands personnel readiness at an optimum level through the support of the latest technology. "The operational environment is now much more challenging with increasingly complex cross-border threats. The MMEA needs to keep pace with technological advancements to ensure that every enforcement action is more effective and safer," he emphasized.

He further explained that in the current landscape, the agency's needs extend beyond enhancing the capabilities of assets such as ships and aircraft, requiring relevant weaponry and technological support as well. However, he clarified that the focus of MMEA's modernisation is not limited to the addition of assets alone but involves comprehensive integration of armaments, monitoring systems, and intelligence elements.

"It is to ensure that every operation is carried out responsively and can handle any threat quickly and effectively," Saiful Lizan added. He concluded by stating that all outlined initiatives consider aspects of legal compliance, operational effectiveness, and the safety of personnel as the agency's main priorities.