IPOH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 30 sets of bubu naga, a type of fish trap, worth almost RM3,000, about 3.6 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Talang, near Lumut.
Perak MMEA director Maritime Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob said the traps were seized on Friday during a routine patrol by his team.
He said that the fish traps, measuring about 10m each, were arranged in a chain and spotted along with a suspicious blue flag at the location.
“Upon further inspection, it was found that the flag was tied to a wooden pole and used as a marker for the fish traps set up by irresponsible individuals or groups,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
Mohamad Shukri said the seized items had been handed over to the investigating team for further action.
He added that those found using the traps could face prosecution under Section 11(3)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing using unauthorised methods.
If convicted, they may be fined up to RM20,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.
Mohamad Shukri urged all fishing communities to comply with government regulations and refrain from repeatedly committing the same offence in the country’s waters.
The public, particularly those in the maritime community, is urged to report any law violations at sea by contacting the emergency line 999 or the Perak MMEA Operations Centre at 05-6838737.
