By: Zaidul Khair bin Jungkim
TUARAN: August 11, 2026 – More than just a show of presence, the Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) has become a meaningful platform for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) to connect with the people of Sabah. Beyond its duty of safeguarding the nation’s waters, the agency’s latest engagement took on a different role: listening directly to the grievances of fishermen and villagers.
Lieutenant Commander (M) Ahmad Syafiq Abdul Hamid, Marine Engineer Officer of KM Bendahara, admitted that the programme has transformed the way the agency interacts with the public. Every stopover was not merely an official visit but an opportunity to sit on equal footing with the community.
“APMM’s involvement in KMJG allows us to introduce maritime matters to the public, especially those in the interior. More importantly, we get to hear the concerns and problems of the local community, particularly those related to maritime and fisheries,” he said during the Tuaran district-level KMJG launch ceremony on Sunday.
Throughout the tour, which covered Tawau, Sandakan, and Kuala Penyu, the crew heard first-hand stories from fishermen hoping for safer seas. Some voiced concerns over resource shortages, while others shared their experiences facing challenges at sea.
For Ahmad Syafiq, such feedback is more valuable than any official report. Through this human touch, APMM is no longer seen merely as an enforcement body but as a caring community partner. He expressed hope that this close relationship would continue to flourish, fostering collective awareness for the safety of the nation’s waters.
Source: JABATAN PENERANGAN MALAYSIA
