TANJUNG MANIS: A local Class C fishing boat was detained on Wednesday for fishing in a prohibited area.
The boat was detained by the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) at 5.40 pm, five nautical miles northwest from Kuala Paloh, Sarikei.
Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone director Commander (Maritime) Gilbert Tinggak Numpang received tips from the maritime community about the fishing boat.
“Our asset was on routine patrol in Kuala Paloh waters when it was informed of a Class C fishing vessel suspected of pulling the net at a distance of approximately five nautical miles northwest from Kuala Paloh.
“The limit set is 10 nautical miles from the coast. There were seven crew including the captain of the vessel with ages ranging from 34 to 54,” he said.
Gilbert added that five of the seven crew were locals while the other two were Indonesians, who failed to produce any identification documents during an inspection.
The crew, the boat and its fishing equipment were seized and escorted to LKIM Tanjung Manis Jetty.
The case is being investigated under the Fishery Act 1985 on suspicion of engaging in fishing less than the limit set out in the licence.
The case also is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for failure to produce identification documents to the enforcement officer.
