KUALA LUMPUR: The gunmen who opened fire on a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) vessel yesterday were pirates, who were preying on people returning to Kunak and Semporna for Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
"We see this as an act of piracy. Some groups are robbing the boats and people as they as return to Kunak and Semporna (Sabah) near the festive season," Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain told a press conference.
He also said the incident yesterday (April 7) did not involve militants from neighbouring countries, but kept mum when asked whether Malaysians had a role in it.
Razarudin added that one of the two MMEA personnel who were injured in the attack had undergone surgery to remove a bullet from an eye.
"His condition is stable and he does not require a prosthetic eye."
The shootout occurred in waters off Kunak.
An MMEA vessel was approaching a boat 0.2 nautical miles northeast of Kampung Pangi, Kunak when it was fired upon by three men.
One MMEA officer was injured in the left eye and another sustained wounds in both hands.
The Eastern Sabah Security Command is working with other security agencies, including the MMEA, to track down the gunmen.
Security in Kunak waters has also been stepped up.
