KOTA KINABALU: Maritime officials nabbed four people and seized over 800kg of fish from a vessel that was operating in prohibited waters off the east coast Lahad Datu.
Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director for Lahad Datu, Dzulfikhar Ali, said MMEA officials were conducting a patrol and crime prevention operation in waters off Tabawan when they noticed a suspicious vessel at around 2pm, Saturday (Dec 6).
“Our personnel stopped the boat and went on board to inspect, where they found four men - three documented Indonesians and a local, as well as containers filled with fish,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Dec 7).
He said the suspects, aged 30 to 46, were nabbed to facilitate investigations under the Fisheries Act 1985, while the fish were confiscated and taken back to the Lahad Datu maritime jetty for further action.
Dzulfikhar said initial probes suggest that the suspects had fished less than 1.5 nautical miles from the nearest shore, which is a prohibited zone for commercial fishing.
This prohibition is to prevent exploitation of beach areas and to ensure that fishing activities are conducted responsibly, he said.
He said the MMEA would continue to enforce maritime laws and take stern action against any offenders.
“Anyone with information of any wrongdoings can contact us via WhatsApp at 016-930 5727 or the 999 emergency number,” said Dzulfikhar.
