A foreign fishing vessel from Indonesia, believed to have entered Malaysian waters without authorisation and carried out illegal fishing activities, was detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Thursday.
Penang Maritime director Kepten Maritim Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the vessel was intercepted during a routine patrol by KM Semilang after officers spotted a suspicious boat drifting in national waters.
He said the wooden vessel was inspected at about 11.20am, approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Kendi.
“Checks found the unregistered vessel originated from Pantai Labu, Medan, Indonesia and was operated by five crew members aged between 17 and 44.
“They comprised a skipper and four crew members, all Indonesian nationals,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Further checks found that none of the five crew members could produce valid identification documents. They were also unable to provide valid documents or authorisation to enter Malaysia.
The crew were additionally suspected of conducting fishing activities in Malaysian waters without written permission from the Director-General of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
Muhammad Suffi said all five individuals were detained for suspected offences under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for failing to possess valid identification documents and the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing in Malaysian waters without permission.
The vessel, fishing equipment and marine products seized were estimated to be worth about RM3 million in total.
The latest arrest brings the number of foreign fishing vessels detained by MMEA Penang between January and July this year to five, reflecting continued enforcement efforts to curb illegal fishing and protect the country’s maritime resources.
The vessel, its crew, fishing equipment and seized marine products were escorted to the Limbongan Batu Maung Jetty before being handed over to Penang Maritime investigating officers for further action.
Muhammad Suffi stressed that the agency would maintain a firm stance against foreign vessel incursions and other violations within Malaysia’s maritime zone.
He said patrols and surveillance would continue to be strengthened to combat illegal fishing, safeguard national sovereignty and protect the sustainability of marine resources.
Members of the public with information on maritime crime or emergencies can contact the Penang Maritime Operations Centre or the MERS 999 emergency line for immediate action.
