GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a boat suspected of carrying out illegal fishing using prohibited equipment during an enforcement operation off Pulau Tikus on Saturday (Aug 2).
Penang MMEA director Maritime Capt Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the operation was launched following information and a complaint received through the FISHCOM system at about 12.30pm regarding a fibreglass boat allegedly using a grapnel longline, a prohibited fishing gear.
Acting on the tip-off, an MMEA patrol boat with a five-member enforcement team, which was conducting a routine patrol, was deployed to the location to investigate.
"At about 2.15pm, the suspect's boat was intercepted about 0.1 nautical miles east of Pulau Tikus while actively engaged in fishing using the prohibited equipment.
"Further inspection revealed that the fibreglass boat was operating without a registration number," he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 2).
He said the boat is suspected of committing offences under the Fisheries Act 1985, namely under Section 8(a) for operating without a valid fishing licence, and Section 26 for conducting fishing activities using prohibited methods or equipment.
He said three local crew members were arrested, while the vessel was escorted to the Marine Police Force jetty in Batu Uban before being handed over to investigating officers at the Penang MMEA headquarters for further investigation and action.
The MMEA stressed that the use of prohibited fishing gear is a serious offence as it threatens the sustainability of the country's fisheries resources and damages the marine ecosystem.
He also urged the fishing community to comply with fisheries regulations and to use only approved fishing methods.
Members of the public with information on illegal or suspicious activities at sea are encouraged to contact the Penang Maritime Operations Centre at 04-262 6146 or the national emergency hotline at 999 for immediate action.
