Perak MMEA Detains Two Trawlers For Breaching Licence Conditions

IPOH, April 27 (Bernama) -- The Perak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two local class B fishing vessels suspected of committing various offences under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63 in an operation yesterday.

Perak MMEA director Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob said both vessels were detained about 0.3 nautical miles southwest of Tanjung Beras Basah near Lumut in Op Sayong 1/2018, Op Pintas 1/2021 and Op Tiris 4.0.

He said the first arrest involved a class B trawler detained at about 9.40 pm with two crew members, including a Myanmar skipper.

“Inspection found that the vessel was suspected of breaching licence conditions by carrying out fishing activities less than five nautical miles from the nearest shoreline.

“The vessel was also not operated by its registered owner and did not have approval from the Fisheries Malaysia director-general to employ foreign workers,” he said in a statement today.

Mohamad Shukri said the second arrest involved a similar class B trawler detained at about 10.13 pm in the vicinity of the first arrest.

“Inspection of the second vessel also revealed similar offences, in addition to failing to display its licence book. The two crew members onboard, including the skipper, were also Myanmar nationals, and both failed to produce valid identification documents.

“Further inspection also found around 50 kilogrammes of catch on each vessel, bringing the total to about 100kg,” he said.

He said the crew members, vessels, fishing equipment and the catch, estimated to be worth more than RM3 million, were escorted to the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) jetty in Kampung Acheh to be handed over to Perak MMEA investigating officers for further action.

He said the case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and Immigration Act 1959/63, adding that MMEA views seriously the actions of certain vessel operators who continue to defy licence conditions and employ undocumented foreign crew.

“Fishing in prohibited zones not only harms the marine ecosystem but also causes losses to traditional fishermen who depend on coastal areas for their livelihood,” he said.

Mohamad Shukri urged the public to inform the authorities of any maritime crime by contacting the emergency line 999 or the Perak Maritime Operations Centre at 05-6838737 for immediate action.

-- BERNAMA