GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Penang detained two C-class local fishing vessels operated by Thai nationals during a two-day integrated operation off the island’s coast, which concluded yesterday.
Its director, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, said the operation—jointly conducted with the Department of Fisheries—was led by state MMEA operations deputy director Maritime Commander Mohd Hashim Mat Zain, and involved both sea and land components.
“Both vessels were detained during the sea operation and, upon inspection, we found that they were operated by Thai nationals aged 40 to 56.
“Upon further inspection, we found nearly three tonnes of fish in the vessel,” he said in a statement today.
He said that during the land operation, the MMEA seized 23 units of “bubu naga” around the Kuala Muda, Penaga and Batu Kawan fishermen jetties.
He added that all cases will be investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. – BERNAMA
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