Malaysia gets Aust boats to stop smuggling

The Australian government will give Malaysia two Customs boats as part of regional efforts to stop people-smuggling syndicates.

(File: AAP)

(File: AAP)

Malaysia will be given two retired Customs boats to help it tackle people smuggling in the region.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison announced the two Bay Class vessels will be handed over in mid-2015, saying it was a "practical operational strategy to stem this criminal trade".

Mr Morrison said the boats have a range of 1000 nautical miles and Australia would provide training to Malaysian authorities.

Malaysia was a key partner in regional and bilateral efforts against people smuggling, he said.

"These vessels will offer enhanced search and rescue and interception capacity to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's border protection operations," Mr Morrison said in a statement on Thursday.

"This will improve Malaysia's capability to preserve life at sea, while shutting down people-smuggling syndicates."


1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world