Fish bombing suspects jump overboard to evade MMEA capture

KOTA KINABALU: Two suspected fish bombers jumped into the sea to evade capture when maritime officials noticed them acting suspiciously near Gaya Island on Thursday (Dec 15) evening.

Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director for Sabah and Labuan, First Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah said prior to that, patrol personnel noticed an orange pump boat at around 8.30pm and turned to approach it.

“When they neared the boat, the skipper sped off and we had to chase after them,” he said in a statement on Friday (Dec 16).

He said when the suspects neared shallower waters, they jumped into the sea and swam into the darkness.

“When our men reached the boat, they could not see where the suspects had fled to and checked the vessel,” First Adm Mohd Rosli said.

They found diving equipment and a bottle of chemicals believed to be used in fish bombing.

He said the items and pump boat were confiscated and brought back to the Sepanggar maritime jetty for further action.

Rosli said the case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985.

“The fishing and maritime community is reminded to not catch fish using illegal means as it can have negative effects on the marine ecosystem, apart from posing health and safety hazards to themselves and others,” he said.

On other matters, Rosli called on the public to report any criminal or suspicious activities at sea, apart from emergencies to their operations call centre at 088-387774 or 999 (MERS).