MERSING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has stopped illegal trawling by a local fishing vessel operating suspiciously in a restricted zone southeast of Pulau Tinggi.
Mersing Maritime Zone personnel detained the vessel about 4.5 nautical miles off the island following a tip-off during a patrol under Ops Jaksa and Ops Tiris 3.0 early Tuesday (July 15) morning.
Mersing Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Suhaizan Saadin, said initial investigations revealed the vessel breached multiple regulations under the Fisheries Act 1985.
"The boat was detected trawling for fish less than five nautical miles from shore, which is a restricted area for such activity.
"It was also operating outside of permitted hours and was believed to be operated by individuals other than its registered owner," he said in a statement here on Wednesday (July 16).
Suhaizan added that all five local male crewmembers, aged between 34 and 50, were detained.
He said the vessel with its fishing equipment was escorted to the Teluk Gading maritime post for further investigation.
Suhaizan warned that stern action would be taken against any parties found violating maritime laws, adding that patrols and surveillance in local waters will continue to be intensified.
"We will not tolerate anyone who chooses to flout the laws of this country," he said, adding that the fishing community has been urged not to collaborate with illegal operators and to report any suspicious maritime activities.
Suhaizan also said the public can channel information via the 999 emergency line or contact the Mersing Maritime Zone operations centre directly at 07-219 9404.
