KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sarawak seized a fishing boat for multiple offences in the waters off Kuching last Friday (Oct 4).
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Kamal Ariffin Jusoh said the boat was detained at 4.14 pm during ‘Op Permai’ and ‘Op Tiris’ patrols.
The vessel, helmed by a local skipper and carrying 10 anglers, was spotted about 1.5 nautical miles northeast of Talang Talang Besar Island.
“Further inspection revealed that the skipper had violated the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 by operating without a valid boat licence and possessing an expired apparatus assignment certificate.
“The boat was escorted to the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex (KOMTAS) and handed over to the investigation officer for further action,” he said.
Kamal reiterated that the agency would not tolerate any violation of maritime laws, particularly within Sarawak’s waters.
Members of the public are advised to report complaints, information, or emergencies at sea directly to the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
