BINTULU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has apprehended three local fishing boats suspected of breaching valid licence conditions by conducting fishing activities outside the authorised area.
The incident took place at approximately 5.60 nautical miles from Mukah Beach, around 11am last Thursday (June 29).
Bintulu Maritime Zone director Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the detention was carried out in response to reports received from the local fishing community regarding the activities of certain fishing boats encroaching into the coastal area.
“Subsequent investigations revealed that these boats belonged to non-local operators who had unlawfully entered the restricted zone, prompting the swift deployment of Malaysian Maritime assets to the identified location.
“The three boats were intercepted while actively setting nets and engaging in fishing activities, leading to their immediate detention.
“Inspections conducted on the vessels uncovered a total crew complement of 17 individuals, including 13 local crew members, including the captain, and four Indonesian crew members, ranging in age from 19 to 62,” he said.
Additionally, the authorities seized the boats, along with fishing equipment such as trawl nets, and approximately 1.5 tonnes of assorted fish.
All crew members, he added, including the captain, and the detained vessels were then escorted to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre to be handed over to investigating officers for further examination.
The case will be investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985, as the fishing activities carried out within the restricted distance violated valid licence conditions.
Such violations may result in fines imposed by the Malaysian Fisheries Department. The detained foreign crew members will also face investigations under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
