Two Vietnamese fishing boats, 15 crew members detained by Kudat MMEA

One of the two Vietnamese fishing boats intercepted by Kudat Zone MMEA at Kudat waters on Monday.

KOTA KINABALU: Two Vietnamese fishing boats carrying 15 foreign fishermen were apprehended by the Kudat zone Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) after trespassing Kudat waters early Monday morning (May 24).

Kudat Maritime Zone director Commander Boon Chin Chau said the MMEA also confiscated fishing gear and various catches from the sea.

The estimated value of the seizure was RM2mil, including the boats and diesel supply, he said in a statement Tuesday (May 25).

Comm Boon said that an MMEA asset out on a routine patrol traced the two foreign vessels which then attempted to escape upon seeing the presence of the authorities.

Both boats were intercepted 4.6 nautical miles and 6.3 nautical miles, respectively, from Pulau Straggler.

The 15 crew members, including a skipper, were aged between 30 to 42 years old, he added.

"The boats and the suspects have been brought to the Kudat MMEA jetty for further investigation.

"The case is being probed under the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing in Malaysian waters without the permission of the Fisheries Director, as well as under the Immigration Act 1959/63 since suspects did not possess valid identification," he added.

He called on the coastal community in the district to report any criminal acts and emergencies at sea to MMEA through the phone line 088-611 858 (Kudat Operation Centre) or MERS 999 which operates round the clock.