TAWAU: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) petty officer Zainal Abad Komel, 45, could only say 'Allahu Akbar' when he was shot off Kunak waters here yesterday.
After that, he realised he had been shot in the eye and blood was gushing out.
He was one of two MMEA personnel who was involved in a shootout with sea pirates about 0.2 nautical miles northeast of Kampung Pangi, Kunak waters, yesterday (April 7).
In the incident at 8:40am, another crew member of the boat Leading RatePrayrie De Cuella Jimin, 35, was injured in both hands while returning fire with the criminals involved, while four others were unharmed.
Recalling the tense moment, Zainal said he and his team were conducting an Operation in the area before encountering a boat carrying three suspects.
"When trying to approach them, suddenly the boat captain pointed a pistol right at my face before firing twice.
"The incident happened very quickly. However, I managed to dodge one of the shots by turning my face, but the second shot hit my left eye," he said when met here today.
The victim, who hails from Negri Sembilan and has been serving the MMEA for 19 years, described the incident as the most meaningful sacrifice while on duty safeguarding the nation's security.
"This incident will not weaken my spirit to continue serving, and if conditions permit, I will return to duty as usual," he said, adding that he could potentially suffer permanent vision impairment.
Later, it was confirmed that the victim was informed that he will lose eyesight in the affected eye.
MMEA Director-General Datuk Hamid Mohd Amin said that the two-hour surgical procedure to remove the bullet from the left eye had been successfully performed.
He said the victim is now in stable condition but confirmed the left eye could not be saved as the bullet hit the nerve.
The personnel are expected to be discharged from hospital in about a week, after thorough monitoring at Tawau Hospital.
Meanwhile, he said, all the victim's welfare, including assistance and compensation, will be given priority.
