IPOH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has stopped and turned away 40 Indonesian fishing boats that had encroached into Malaysian waters.
Perak MMEA director Kapt Shahrizan Raman said the boats were spotted by its ship, KM Rawa, during an Op Benteng patrol between 28.5 and 30 nautical miles west of Pulau Jarak, near Lumut on Saturday (Nov 14).
Shahrizan said checks conducted showed that each boat had four crew members, including a ship captain.
"They were trying to fish in Malaysian waters. They were given a stern warning and told to stop and leave Malaysian waters," he said in a statement on Saturday.
"We escorted the boats to the Malaysian-Indonesian border to ensure they did not turn back and intrude again," he added.
Shahrizan said some 199 fishing boats from Indonesia have been turned away between Mar 18 and Nov 14 this year.
"Our assets will continue with patrols, especially at hotspots, to prevent encroachment," he said.
"Those with information regarding activities involving illegal immigrants, foreign fishermen or criminal activities can inform the state maritime headquarters at 05-683 8737 or the National Task Force at 011-6251 1123," he said.
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