The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a boat suspected of carrying out illegal fishing activities using prohibited equipment during an operation off Pulau Tikus on Saturday.
Penang MMEA director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the operation was carried out after the agency received information and a complaint through the FISHCOM system at about 12.30pm regarding a fibreglass boat allegedly using a grapnel longline, which is banned under fisheries regulations.
Following the report, an MMEA patrol boat with five enforcement personnel was deployed to the area to conduct checks while carrying out routine monitoring.
Muhammad Suffi said the suspect vessel was intercepted at about 2.15pm, approximately 0.1 nautical miles east of Pulau Tikus, while it was actively conducting fishing activities using the prohibited equipment.
“Further inspection found that the fibreglass boat was operating without a registration number,” he said in a statement.
He said the vessel was believed to have committed offences under the Fisheries Act 1985, including operating without a valid fishing licence under Section 8(a) and conducting fishing activities using prohibited methods or equipment under Section 26.
Three local crew members were detained, while the boat was escorted to the Marine Police Force jetty in Batu Uban before being handed over to investigating officers at the Penang MMEA headquarters for further action.
The MMEA stressed that the use of illegal fishing equipment is a serious offence as it could threaten the sustainability of marine resources and disrupt the country’s fisheries ecosystem.
The agency also reminded fishing communities to comply with regulations and only use approved fishing methods.
Members of the public with information regarding illegal or suspicious activities at sea are encouraged to contact the Penang Maritime Operations Centre or the national emergency hotline 999 for immediate action.
