KOTA KINABALU: Suspected fish bombers jumped into the sea to flee capture by marine policemen in waters off Manukan Island near here.
Marine police on patrol approached a suspicious fishing boat for inspection during the incident at around 11pm Wednesday (Jan 22), said Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director for Sabah and Labuan, First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik.
“However, the vessel sped off and a chase ensued. Halfway into the chase, four men were seen jumping into the sea before swimming off into shallow waters,” he said in a statement on Thursday (Jan 23).
Suhaimi said marine police reached the ditched vessel and found containers of fish as well as some items believed to be fish bombs inside.
“There was around 200kg of fish which we think were caught using explosives,” he said, adding all the items and the boat valued around RM17,000 were seized and brought back to the marine jetty in Sepanggar not far from the island for investigations.
He said this case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1958 whereby offenders could face up to RM4mil in fine or jailed for not more than two years, or both upon conviction.
Suhaimi said the use of explosives or other illegal fishing means can destroy marine ecosystems and pose danger to the fishermen as well as others.
He warned the public against fishing by illegal methods and urged those with information of any suspected wrongdoings or emergencies at sea to contact the Sabah marine operations centre at 088-270165 or 999 for assistance.
