PONTIAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 83,000 lobster seeds worth RM500,000.
Johor deputy operation director Maritime Capt Kama Azri Kamil said three local men aged between 30 and 33 were also detained.
In a statement, Kama Azri said the group was detected while travelling in a boat from Batu Pahat to Gelang Patah at 2.30am on Friday (March 14).
He said the boat was detained at 0.1 nautical miles southeast of Sungai Boh, in Kukup off Tanjung Piai waters during Ops Khas Pagar Laut.
The agency found 17 polystyrene boxes on board containing the lobster seeds believed to have been smuggled from a neighbouring country.
“The case is being investigated under Section 40(1) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for importing or exporting marine creatures without permits from the Fishery Department,’’ said Kama Azri.
He said the seized lobster seeds and the boat have been brought to the Johor maritime Sungai Pulai jetty for further action.
Kama Azri called upon those with information on criminal activities within the waters of Johor to contact the Emergency Line at 999 of the Johor Maritime Operation Center at 07-2199402.
