KOTA KINABALU: Seven foreign fishing vessels manned by Filipino nationals in Malaysian waters around Sabah’s northern Kudat area were seized by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Kudat Maritime Zone director Commander Hasbullah Omar said the intrusion was detected in Tanjung Kalutan, Balambangan Island, via the Sabah Sea Surveillance System (SWASLA), and that two patrol boats were immediately deployed to the area.
“Monitoring and interception at sea led to the detention of all the vessels, which were found to be in Malaysian waters under suspicious circumstances.
“Checks revealed 21 individuals, including skippers aged between 17 and 60, were onboard the vessels,” he said in a statement here on Friday (Feb 7).
He said all crew members failed to produce any identification documents or valid fishing permits during the inspection.
“All vessels together with their crew were escorted to the vessel detention centre at Sabah Port in Kudat for further investigation and enforcement action.
He valued the seizure, including vessels, engines, and fishing equipment, to be around RM100,000.
Hasbullah said the case was being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for entering and fishing in Malaysian waters without authorisation.
“Investigations are also being conducted under the Immigration Act 1959/63 after the crew failed to present valid travel documents.
“The northern waters of Sabah, particularly around Kudat and Balambangan Island, have been identified as high-risk areas for foreign fishermen's intrusions.
“As such, MMEA is intensifying patrols and enforcement operations continuously to ensure the sovereignty and security of national waters remain safeguarded,” he added.
MMEA will not compromise with any activities involving intrusion, smuggling, or cross-border crimes.
“Firm action will be taken against any party that violates the country’s laws,” he said, urging the public with any information on illegal activities to contact Kudat Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 088-611858 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action.
