MMEA seizes boat, fish bombs in Semporna waters

KOTA KINABALU: Authorities have seized a boat used for fish-bombing activities near Pulau Omadal in Semporna waters.

Semporna zone Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Maritime Commander Amir Shubli said a patrol boat was making its rounds under Ops Pluto Timur when they received intelligence about the illegal activity and went to the location at 8.50am on Tuesday (Sept 19).

"Upon arriving, the team traced the suspicious boat to the west of the island.

"The skipper fled by jumping into the sea and escaped to shallow waters around Pulau Omadal when the patrol team approached.

"An on-board inspection found some fish and glass bottles containing fertiliser believed to have been used for fish-bombing.

"The amount of confiscated items was estimated at RM5,000 and the case will be investigated under Section 26 of the Fisheries Act 1985 (for fishing with explosives, poison, etc)," he said in a statement.

Amir reminded maritime communities not to conduct fish-bombing as it is illegal, can bring negative impact to the sea ecosystem and can be fatal.

"We will continue doing our patrolling and enforcement to curb criminal offences at sea and those with information can forward them to 089-782 619 or MERS999," he said.