The seized trawlers. – pic courtesy MMEA Perak via BERNAMA
IPOH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two trawlers, assets and marine catch worth a total of RM80,000.
The seizure was made 5.2 nautical miles (9.63km) west of the Kuala Kurau estuary on Friday (Aug 15).
Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone director Maritime Cmdr Mohd Hairil Othman said the vessels were intercepted at 2am for operating outside permitted hours, using excessive weights on their nets, and not being manned by their registered owners.
He said the vessels and their catch were taken to the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone jetty and handed to investigating officers for further action.
"MMEA will not compromise on any breach of maritime laws and will intensify monitoring and enforcement to keep national waters free of illegal activities,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 17).
Vessel owners found guilty may face a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, he added.
Maritime Cmdr Hairil urged anyone with information on suspicious activities at sea to contact the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 05-7279919 or the emergency hotline 999. – Bernama
