IPOH: The Perak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two local fishing vessels suspected of committing various offences under the Fisheries and Immigration Acts in an operation yesterday.
Perak MMEA director, Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob, said both vessels were detained just 0.3 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Beras Basah near Lumut in Ops Sayong, Ops Pintas and Ops Tiris 4.0.
He said the first arrest involved a class B trawler detained at about 9.40pm with two crew members, including a Myanmar skipper.
“Inspection found that the vessel was suspected of breaching licence conditions by carrying out fishing activities less than five nautical miles from the nearest shoreline,” he said.
“The vessel was also not operated by its registered owner and did not have approval from the Fisheries Malaysia director-general to employ foreign workers.”
Mohamad Shukri said the second arrest involved a similar class trawler detained at about 10.13pm in the vicinity of the first arrest.
“Inspection of the second vessel also revealed similar offences, in addition to failing to display its licence book. The two crew members onboard, including the skipper, were also Myanmar nationals, and both failed to produce valid identification documents.
“Further inspection also found around 50kg of catch on each vessel, bringing the total to about 100kg.”
He said the crew members, vessels, fishing equipment and the catch were taken to the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) jetty in Kampung Acheh to be handed over to Perak MMEA investigating officers for further action.
He said, according to Bernama, the case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act and Immigration Act, adding that MMEA views seriously the actions of certain vessel operators who continue to defy licence conditions and employ undocumented foreign crew.
“Fishing in prohibited zones not only harms the marine ecosystem but also causes losses to traditional fishermen who depend on coastal areas for their livelihood.”
Mohamad Shukri urged the public to report maritime crimes to the authorities by contacting the emergency line 999 or the Perak Maritime Operations Centre at 05-6838737 for immediate action.
