Two nabbed fish bombing and spearfishing in waters off Pulau Sepanggar

KOTA KINABALU: Two men were nabbed for suspected fish bombing and spearfishing activities in waters off Pulau Sepanggar near here.

The two men, one skipper and a fisherman, were arrested at around 7pm, Wednesday (Jan 10).

Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency director for Sabah Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik said the arrests were made after maritime officials noticed the suspects in the area.

"They were inspected and our officials suspect that they were involved in fish bombing and spearfishing," he said in a statement.

Items believed used to make explosives as well as some fish believed caught using illegal means were also confiscated.

Both suspects were escorted back to the Sepanggar maritime jetty and handed over to investigating officers for further action, said Suhaimi.

He reminded the public to refrain from using explosives at sea as this can cause damage to maritime ecosystems and reefs.

"It is also important to know that the use of spear guns is not allowed as it could hurt people in the process," he said.

Suhaimi advised the public to get a license for any tools or equipment they needed to fish and to refer to authorities if they were unsure.

He said maritime officials would continue to enforce laws under the MMEA and conduct scheduled patrols to prevent crime at sea.