KOTA KINABALU: Marine officials recently seized coral harvested illegally from an island off Semporna, with the suspect evading capture by jumping into the sea.
Before the seizure, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) patrol units were conducting rounds near the Tanjung Tabu-Tabu area when they noticed a suspicious vessel late Wednesday (Feb 26).
MMEA Semporna zone director Maritime Cmdr Amir Shubli said a patrol unit approached the vessel, suspecting it of being involved in illegal fishing.
“A man on board jumped into the sea and swam to the nearby mangrove swamp when he saw our men approaching,” he said in a statement on Friday (Feb 28).
He said marine officials boarded the boat and inspected it, finding three boxes filled with coral.
Amir said the coral was not supposed to be harvested as it was an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985.
“The coral was seized together with the ditched vessel for further investigation. The value of the seizures is estimated at RM13,000,” he said.
He said the MMEA takes the illegal harvesting of marine resources seriously as it could harm the ecosystem, and would not hesitate to take stern action against perpetrators.
Amir urged the public to contact the Semporna maritime authorities at 089-782521 or 999 if they have any information on illegal or suspicious activities in their area.
