A local class B1 fishing vessel was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Penang after it was suspected of violating its licence conditions by carrying out fishing activities within less than eight nautical miles from the coastal area early Friday morning.
Penang MMEA director Captain Maritime Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the vessel was detained following a public tip-off received via WhatsApp regarding a fishing boat believed to be operating too close to the shoreline.
He said the boat was found to have breached the minimum eight-nautical-mile requirement under the Fisheries Act 1985.
“The vessel was detained at a position about 0.1 nautical miles north of Pulau Rimau,” he said in a statement.
He added that four crew members were found on board, comprising two local men and two Indonesian men with permanent resident status, aged between their 20s and 50s.
All crew members were detained to assist in further investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for breaching the terms of a valid fishing licence.
“The vessel and crew have been handed over to the investigating officer of MMEA Penang for further action,” he said.
He added that the total value of the seizure, including the vessel, is estimated at RM1.5 million.
In the meantime, he expressed appreciation to members of the public for providing information on illegal activities at sea, saying public cooperation is crucial in safeguarding national waters and marine resources.
