GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained five undocumented Indonesian fishermen for trespassing and illegal fishing.
Penang MMEA director Maritime Captain Abd Razak Mohamed said the suspects were arrested after a MMEA patrol spotted a boat 37 nautical miles west of Pulau Kendi during Ops Tanjung and Ops Pertiwi at 12.46pm on Saturday (Feb 4).
"A check on the suspects found that the boat crew were manned by the suspects, aged 21 to 50, were from Pengkalan Susu in Indonesia.
"They failed to produce any identification documents and permits to fish in Malaysian waters," he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 5).
Captain Abd Razak said the suspects are believed to have committed offences under the Fisheries and Immigration Acts.
He said the suspects and their boat were taken to the Batu Maung Jetty to be handed over to MMEA investigation officers for further investigations.
He said MMEA would continue to monitor Malaysian waters to protect from any encroachment by foreign fishermen.
Those with information about illegal activities such as trespassing and fishing without a permit should contact the Penang MMEA operations centre at 04-262 6146 or MERS999 for any emergencies.
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