MUKAH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a local fishing boat and four crew members for violating their licence conditions by fishing under 12 nautical miles yesterday.
MMEA Bintulu Director, Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah, said the boat was intercepted during an integrated operations dubbed ‘Ops Mardof’, involving MMEA Bintulu and the Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department.
The vessel, operated by four local men, was spotted fishing in Mukah waters, about 5.1 nautical miles northwest of the Kuala Mukah estuary.
“Further inspection found that the crew were catching fish less than 12 nautical miles from shore, as specified in the condition of their licence.
“The vessel and the crew members, aged between 46 and 70, were escorted to the Mukah MC jetty before being handed over to Sarawak Marine Fisheries Department for further action,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985, which provides for a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for a term of up to two years or both, upon conviction.
Suffian reminded the maritime community to comply with maritime laws and practise 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 Bintulu Operations Centre at 086-314254 or MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
