KOTA KINABALU: Fishermen using fish attracting lamps underwater and illegal means to trawl along the coasts of Tanjung Melanim near here were arrested for breaching marine laws.
The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) made the arrest of two Filipino men, aged 54 and 19, during a patrol operation at around 4pm on Sunday (Jan 18).
Maritime director for Sabah and Labuan, First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali said the use of such lamps on the seabed was not only illegal but could destroy the marine ecosystem.
“Using lamps underwater can attract fish and other marine species on an uncontrolled scale, and this could result in disruptions on the balance of the marine ecosystem,” he said in a statement.
He said with disrupted marine ecosystems, there was bound to be damage done on marine resources apart from affecting ongoing conservation and rehabilitation works.
Such damage would eventually affect the livelihood of other honest law-abiding fishermen, said Khairulanuar.
He said that prior to the arrest and seizure of the vessel, they had noticed the boat and approached it to check.
On board, they found the two crew members with suspicious documentation and discovered the illegal fishing method used.
Khairulanuar urged the fishing community to abide by marine and environmental laws to ensure the industry remains sustainable.
“We will continue to monitor and safeguard Sabah’s seafronts and prevent crime at sea,” he said, adding that there will be no compromise on this matter.
He also called upon coastal communities and the public to work with the authorities in fighting crime at sea by reporting any suspicious activities immediately to the Sabah and Labuan Maritime Operations Center at 088-387774 or the 999 emergency number.
