KUALA SELANGOR: A Class C fishing boat has been detained after foreigners were found working onboard without valid permits off the coasts of Kuala Selangor.
Selangor Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Maritime Captain Siva Kumar Vengadasalam said the boat was detected at around 10.30pm on Thursday (Jan 5).
"The boat was detained while fishing at a position 4.3 nautical miles from Kuala Selangor by a patrol boat.
"The preliminary inspection found that the boat was operated by two local citizens, aged 64 and 57, and three foreigners aged between 32 and 39,” he said in a statement on Friday (Jan 6).
He said further inspection of the documents found that all the crew had valid identification documents but failed to present valid permits when requested.
"The boat and its crew were taken to the Pulau Indah Marine Police jetty before being handed over to MMEA investigating officers for further action.
"The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for using foreigners without written permission from the director-general of Fisheries Malaysia and the Immigration Act 1959/63 for working without a valid permit," he said, adding that they would not compromise on violations of the law in the Malaysian maritime zone and will continue to patrol and monitor the country's waters.
Those with complaints and with information about criminal activities and emergencies at sea can contact the Selangor maritime operations centre at 03-3176 0627 or MERS 999.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
