KUALA LUMPUR: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that it is the armed forces' job to protect the nation's maritime surveillance and sovereignty.
"While some may perceive there is no imminent war and they have substantial budget allocation, it is because they are ensuring the safety and sovereignty of our nation at all times.
"This implies that without their presence, our situation could resemble that of Pulau Batu Puteh," Khaled told a press conference after visiting the Satu Anggota Satu Rumah housing construction site in Sungai Besi here today.
He said the sighting was made by a local fishing boat, which had been given permission to carry out fishing in the nearby area by the National Security Council (NSC).
He said the navy was carrying out six sea operations in the Malaysian maritime area off the Straits of Malacca, South China Sea, Sulawesi Sea and Sulu Sea.
"The armed forces are continuously doing 24-hour operations, seven days a week, to detect if there are any boats or warships from other countries.
"But we must remember that the South China Sea is free to pass through by anyone. Do not say that any ships that pass through are invading.
"If it is a foreign ship and it anchors, that can be considered an invasion," he said.
Khaled said this in response to a post on social media where a group of Malaysians who were fishing near South Luconia Shoals were startled by the sudden appearance of the Chinese vessel, which sailed close to the Malaysian boat.
The post also claimed that the sighting of the CCG vessel was "proof" that China was strengthening its claims on the South China Sea's nine-dash line, which included part of Malaysia's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and Sarawak waters.
However, Khaled said that the ministry would notify Wisma Putra of any similar incidents.