KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) have detained two Class A fishing boats and four crew members for using trawl nets and possessing illegal fishing equipment off the coast of Pulau Burung on Saturday.
MMEA Sarawak Director, First Admiral Mohd Khairi Abdul Aziz, said the interception took place around 1:30 pm during ‘Op Tiris’ and ‘Op Permai’ patrols.
The vessels were found engaged in fishing activity at about 4.58 nautical miles and 6.6 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Burung.
“Inspections found that the crew were fishing using trawl nets which are violating the licence conditions, and were also found to be in possession of fishing equipment that are not permitted in the licensing book.
“The vessels and the local crew members, aged between 28 and 39, were escorted to the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex Jetty (KOMTAS) in Muara Tebas for further action,” he said.
The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985.
Khairi reminded the maritime community to comply with maritime laws and observe safety procedures at sea to prevent unwanted incidents.
The public is urged to report complaints, information or emergencies at sea directly to the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
