SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two Indonesian fishing vessels and their 10 crew members for allegedly operating without permits in Malaysian waters.
Selangor Maritime Director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said both boats were intercepted during patrols on Wednesday morning.
“The two foreign fishing boats were detained at 11.00am and 11.30am. about 12.7 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Pintu Gedong,” he said in a statement.
“Initial checks found that each boat was operated by a skipper with four crew members, aged between 29 and 62. Further investigations revealed that both boats originated from Indonesia and none of the crew possessed valid identification documents.”
Abdul Muhaimin said the vessels and crew were taken to the Marine Police Jetty in Pulau Indah before being handed over to Selangor Maritime investigators.
“The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for conducting fishing activities in Malaysian waters without approval from the Director-General of Fisheries Malaysia, and under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for not possessing valid identification documents,” he said.
“Maritim Malaysia will continue to enhance monitoring and enforcement in Malaysian waters, particularly off Selangor. Stern action will be taken against any foreign fishing vessels entering and operating illegally in national waters.
“The public with information or complaints about suspicious maritime activities may contact the emergency hotline 999 or the Selangor Maritime Operations Centre at 013-660 6652 for immediate action,” he added.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
