PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a fibre boat and two Indonesian nationals suspected of fishing illegally in waters off Kapar, Selangor, late Friday (July 10).
Selangor MMEA director Maritime Capt Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said the boat was intercepted at about 10.30pm by an MMEA patrol vessel during a routine enforcement patrol under Ops Ehsan in Selangor waters.
The boat was spotted behaving suspiciously about 0.8 nautical miles southwest of Sungai Sementa Besar before enforcement officers moved in to inspect it.
He said the vessel was operated by a 32-year-old skipper and a 23-year-old crew member, both Indonesian nationals.
"Further inspection found that both individuals failed to produce any valid identification documents, while the skipper was also unable to produce a licence or permit to carry out fishing activities," he said in a statement on Saturday (July 11).
Abdul Muhaimin said the suspects, together with the fibre boat and its catch, were escorted to the Marine Police Force jetty at Pulau Indah before being handed over to MMEA investigating officers for further action.
“The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for allegedly conducting fishing activities without a valid licence or approval from the Fisheries Department director-general.
“The two men are also being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for failing to produce valid identification documents,” he added.
Abdul Muhaimin said the MMEA would continue to intensify patrols and enforcement operations to curb illegal fishing activities that threaten marine resources and the country's maritime sovereignty.
He urged members of the public to report any maritime crime or suspicious activities through the 999 emergency hotline or the Selangor MMEA Operations Centre.
