KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained seven crewmen and seized a fishing vessel worth RM450,000 for operating too close to the shore off Kota Kinabalu late Friday (July 10).
Sabah and Labuan maritime director First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali stated that the maritime sea surveillance system detected the vessel's movement on Saturday.
“The signal showed movements some 1.86 nautical miles from the shore, when the conditions for fishing vessels to operate had to be at least three nautical miles from the shore,” he said.
Enforcement officers inspected the boat and detained the crew members aged 20 to 60. The suspects include one Malaysian, four Indonesians, and two individuals with dubious documentation.
“All seized items are estimated to be worth around RM450,000,” said Mohd Khairulanuar.
Authorities escorted the suspects, vessel, and catch to the maritime jetty. The seven individuals face investigations under the Fisheries Act 1985 and Immigration Act 1959/1963.
