Navy, MMEA to chase out illegal fishing vessels

PUTRAJAYA: The Royal Malaysian Navy and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency have stepped up their surveillance to check encroachment by foreign fishing vessels which could potentially spread Covid-19.

Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the two agencies would chase out any fishing vessels found encroaching Malaysian waters.

“This is another step taken by the authorities to stop the possibility of foreigners and illegal immigrants (in the vessels) from bringing in Covid-19 into the country, ” he said on Monday (April 13).

Ismail Sabri said the government was aware of public concern on the enforcement aspect along the country’s borders, fearing that those who entered illegally may bring the virus with them.

He said the government has taken early action on that by closing all borders to foreigners.

“The authorities are also closely monitoring illegal routes to prevent foreigners from using these passages to enter Malaysia.

“Those found to be entering the country illegally will be dealt with severely, ” he said.

As of today, there are no reports of trespass along Malaysia’s border or the use of illegal routes to come in, he said.