KOTA KINABALU: Two fish bombers managed to escape from enforcement authorities by jumping into the sea in Sabah’s east coast Lahad Datu district.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel found a compressor, six bottles believed to be fish bombs, diving equipment and five fish nets meant for storage in a pump boat abandoned by the suspects.
Lahad Datu MMEA director Maritime Commander Dr Suzanna Razali Chan said the activity was detected during a patrol 0.1 nautical miles off the coast of Sakar Island in Lahad Datu at around 2.15pm on Thursday (May 16).
“The team, who were on an Ops Pluto Timur and Ops Tiris patrol, were approaching a blue pump boat when they saw two men jumping into the sea and swimming to a nearby shore.
“Both suspects were believed to have been attempting to engage in fish bombing activities based on the paraphernalia found on the boat,” she said in a statement Friday (May 17).
She said the items, the boat and boat engine were taken to the jetty for the MMEA's next course of action.
Suzanna added that investigations were being carried out under Section 26 of the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing using explosives, poison and others.
“We will continue to enhance patrols and enforcement from time to time to curb fish bombing or any other illegal activities in Lahad Datu waters,” she said.
The public is urged to cooperate by providing information or complaints to the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone 24-hour hotline at 089-885 727 or MERS 999.
