Fisherman caught with fish bombing paraphernalia in Semporna

KOTA KINABALU: A local fisherman was caught red-handed with a host of paraphernalia used for fish bombing in Sabah’s east coast Semporna district.

The authorities also found a pile of fish in the suspect’s possession, which was said to have been caught using explosives on Wednesday (July 6).

Semporna OCPD Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said the district marine police intelligence unit was patrolling the Sangaban waters under Ops Gelora when they spotted the suspect in an unregistered boat at 5pm.

“On checking the 49-year-old man, we found several items such as two pieces of detonators, several fuses, a matchbox and other items in his boat,” he said in a statement here on Friday (July 8).

“We also found some 2kg of various types of fish which we believe were caught using explosives,” he added.

He said the man was subsequently detained for further investigations, adding that they seized the items as well as the boat belonging to the suspect.

Supt Mohd Farhan said the case is being investigated under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 which provides for a maximum seven years imprisonment or RM10,000 fine, or both, on conviction.

He thanked the public for supplying information that led to the arrest, urging for more such cooperation from the people.

“The police will not compromise with such crimes, which will not only put the public’s safety at risk, but also detrimental to the ecosystem,” he said.