KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized a pump boat carrying about 80kg of fish suspected to have been caught using explosives in waters off Pulau Mengalung, west of the city.
Sabah MMEA director First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid said the vessel was believed to have been used for blast fishing, but its crew managed to escape during a patrol operation in the area at about 4.30pm on Tuesday (Sept 15).
“When the patrol boat tried to approach the vessel for inspection, it sped off towards nearby shallow waters. All the crew members then jumped off the boat and fled to shore,” he said.
A search of the vessel uncovered diving equipment and about 80kg of fish suspected to have been caught using explosives.
“Initial examination of the catch showed that the fish were likely caught using explosives,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 16).
Mohd Khairulanuar said the boat, fishing equipment and fish, with a total estimated value of RM45,000, were seized and taken to the MMEA jetty in Sepanggar for further investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 26(1)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985 and is punishable under Section 25(b) of the same Act.
The offence carries a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both, upon conviction.
Mohd Khairulanuar said the use of explosives to catch fish was illegal as it damaged marine ecosystems, coral habitats and fish resources.
He urged the public to report such activities to the Sabah MMEA operations centre at 088-387 774 or MERS 999 in emergencies.
