KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a Class C fishing boat and three local crew members for violating licence condition and possessing an expired communication apparatus licence yesterday (Apr 28).
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz said the boat was intercepted at 2.40 am during ‘Op Permai’ and ‘Op Tiris’ patrols after it was spotted fishing about 10 nautical miles north of Tanjung Marou.
“Further inspections found the crew were catching fish less than 12 nautical miles from shore, as specified in the condition of their licence.
“In addition, they also found to have presented an expired communication apparatus license under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC),” he said.
The vessel and its crew members, aged between 35 and 66, were escorted to the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex (Komtas) jetty in Muara Tebas for further action.
The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Mohd Khairi also reminded the maritime community to comply with maritime laws and observe safety procedures at sea to prevent unwanted incidents.
Members of the public are urged to report complaints, information, or emergencies at sea directly to the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
