LIMA'13 -- The Best Stage For MMEA To Go Global

By Nabilah Saleh KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- Since the staging of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exihibition in 1991, Malaysia's progress in the aviation, aerospace, maritime and defence industries has began to attract worldwide attention. Looking at the participation of local and international 'giants' in the respective industries, LIMA appears to be the best stage to expose Malaysians and the rest of the world community to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). This year's edition of LIMA (known as LIMA'13 which is the 12th in the series after the first edition was staged in 1991), will see the participation of the MMEA for the fourth time since the agency was formed eight years ago in 2005. CAREER IN MMEA In an exclusive interview with the Chairman for Maritime Demonstration and Exhibition Committee of LIMA'13, Laksamana Maritim (Admiral Maritime) Zammani Mohd Amin told Bernama that this year's edition of the event will see a difference to MMEA's participation. If LIMA'11 saw participation of the agency's assets such as vessels and aircraft, the 2013 edition which is on-going sees two exhibition organised by the MMEA including one that focuses on the career in the agency. "In this career section, visitors will be given enough information on posts, scope of duty, qualification needed and how to make the application," he said, adding that several screening tests will be held to determine whether those interested are qualified or the otherwise. According to Zammani if the interested visitors are found to be qualified, they will be promptly shown how to submit the application through the Public Services Commission (SPA). "This 'in-advance' screening involves the basic physical tests such as body weight and vision which are the principal pre-requisites to join the agency," he said. The agency also provides more information on career opportunities and expertise in aspects such as law, shipping and technical. The public will be given free admission to the exhibition on MMEA career which will be held daily adjacent to the Resort World Porto Malai (previously known as Awana Porto Malai). REGIONAL 'COAST GUARD' As an agency entrusted the responsibility in enforcing the law and regulations in Malaysian waters, the MMEA is taking the opportunity to enhance its collaboration with its counterparts in other nations. Hence, the "Future of Maritime Coast Guard Operations in Asia' conference was held on the second day of LIMA'13 at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) on March 27. LIMA'13 is held on March 26 until March 30. "This conference was attended by the heads of respective Coast Guard agencies from various nation such as Myanmar, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines and South Korea to discuss maritime enforcement issues as well as direction," he said. Zammani said in accordance with today's scenario, the conference is hoped to be the stage for information exchange between the respective Coast Guard heads including the safety of coastal waters and that of the local fishermen community. He said the MMEA also focuses on promotion of safety aspects for the fishermen and those into maritime recreation where the use of safety jackets is a neccessity. "The wearing of safety jackets while being at sea cannot be taken lightly as this practice is crucial in Search and Rescue operations particularly that staged by the MMEA," he said. COMMITMENT The MMEA is aware of the Malaysian government's effort in turning Lima into among the best of such regional events and committed to make it a success. Zammani said in making the MMEA's maritime operations smooth, the agency needs accurate and helpful information. "The conference by the coast guard regional agencies enables the MMEA to build a closer relation with them where the agency will be more focussed on its patrols. Zammani said accurate information enables MMEA to conduct operations as well as the maritime surveillance and patrols smoothly. DEMONSTRATION Participation at LIMA'13 is expected to surpass that at the event's past 11 editions with the involvement of 403 exhibitors. According to Zammani, apart from the static display by the exhibitors, the biennial event will showcase maritime and aerospace displays which are much awaited by the public. "MMEA will have 25 marine and three air assets including 10 ships, two boats, as well as one Augusta, Dauhone and CL415 aircraft. LIMA'13 is staged at the Awana Porto Malai and opens to the public on March 26 until 30 while that at Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) opens to the public from March 29 to 30. -- BERNAMA