Two Malaysian men, Muhammad Azrie Manab and Khairil Faizal Othman, helped the Singapore Police Coast Guard recover a stolen Singapore-registered boat on June 2, 2026, after spotting it moored at a buoy in Malaysian waters [1, 2]. Azrie noticed the unusual presence of the boat in Malaysian waters, which was uncommon for a Singapore-registered vessel, and took a photo to share with his cousin Khairil [1, 2]. Khairil then alerted a Police Coast Guard patrol boat about the sighting that same day [1, 2].
The Police Coast Guard, with assistance from the Royal Malaysia Police’s Marine Police Force, located and recovered the stolen boat and returned it to its owner [1, 2]. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to follow up [1, 2].
On June 16, 2026, the two men were recognized at an award ceremony held at sea off northern Pulau Ubin. They received the SaferSG Public Spiritedness Award from the Police Coast Guard for their role in the recovery operation [1, 2].
Police Coast Guard commander Ang Eng Seng said criminals often exploit jurisdictional boundaries to avoid law enforcement. He added, “By working closely with our counterparts and the community in Malaysia, we can extend the long arms of justice across our borders and help more victims of crime. This case is an exemplary example showcasing the success of cross-jurisdiction partnership between Singapore and Malaysia” [1].
Authorities also urged the public to report any suspicious vessels or activities at sea immediately to support ongoing efforts in maritime security [1, 2].
