Officers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) and the Malaysian Coast Guard (MCG) have officially launched a week-long patrol along the waters of the Malacca Strait, combating maritime security threats including people smuggling and human trafficking.
Operation Redback XII will run from February 18 - 22 and is a great opportunity to affirm the important relationship that exists between Malaysia and Australia.
Australia and Malaysia have now come together twelve times under the REDBACK banner, progressively refining both countries' capabilities to combat a range of maritime security challenges.
ABF Regional Director, Commander Chris Waters said REDBACK operations allow both agencies to share information, conduct operational skills exchange and be better prepared to take on the challenges of the future.
"Transnational criminal syndicates pose an ongoing threat to all countries in our region, but together, Australia and Malaysia are making it increasingly difficult for these criminals to operate.
"REDBACK operations have made us better prepared to effectively deal with the broad range of maritime security challenges we face, both independently and together as partners.
"The REDBACK series has not occurred by chance; rather, it is the product of our joint leadership in maritime law enforcement and of our shared objective to combat people smuggling, human trafficking, and all forms of maritime crime.
"The Australian Border Force values and appreciates Malaysia's contribution to regional efforts to combat maritime crime and we look forward to working with Malaysian authorities on future REDBACK activities," Commander Waters said.
