GEORGE TOWN, Sept 20 — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Penang detained two C-class local fishing vessels operated by Thai nationals during a two-day integrated operation in the waters off the island, which ended on Thursday.
Its director, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, said the operation, jointly conducted with the Department of Fisheries, was headed by state MMMEA operations deputy director Maritime Commander Mohd Hashim Mat Zain, involving sea and land operations.
“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 yesterday.
He said that in 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
