KUCHING: A suspicious foreign fishing vessel operating without registration was intercepted in Sarawak waters, resulting in the arrest of two Indonesian crew members for alleged violations of Malaysia’s fisheries and immigration laws.
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) stopped the vessel at around 11.30am on Jul 25, about 121 nautical miles north of Tanjung Po during ‘Ops Permai’, ‘Ops Naga’ and ‘Ops Tiris’.
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz said the vessel was found operating without a registration number, raising immediate suspicions during the patrol.
“Inspections found the vessel was manned by two Indonesian nationals, including the skipper.
“Further investigations found several suspected offences under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said.
Both the vessel and its crew members were detained and escorted to the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex (KOMTAS) jetty here, where the case was handed over to investigating officers for further action.
Mohd Khairi said the agency would continue stepping up patrols and enforcement operations to combat illegal fishing, foreign vessel encroachment and other maritime offences in the state’s waters.
He said MMEA remains committed to protecting the country’s maritime sovereignty while ensuring the safety and sustainability of marine resources.
Members of the public, especially those in the maritime community, are urged to report any suspicious activities at sea to MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544 for immediate enforcement action.
