The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two Indonesian fishing vessels along with 10 crew members for allegedly operating without permits in Malaysian waters.
Selangor Maritime Director Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said both vessels were intercepted during patrol operations on Wednesday morning.
“The two foreign boats were detained at 11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., approximately 12.7 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Pintu Gedong,” he said in a statement.
Preliminary investigations revealed that each vessel was manned by a skipper and four crew members, aged between 29 and 62. Further checks showed that both boats originated from Indonesia, and none of the crew possessed valid identification documents.
The detained vessels and crew were taken to the Marine Police Jetty in Pulau Indah before being handed over to Selangor Maritime investigators for further action.
According to Abdul Muhaimin, 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 failing to possess valid identification papers.
He added that Maritim Malaysia remains committed to strengthening surveillance and enforcement in national waters, especially off the coast of Selangor.
“Stern action will continue to be taken against any foreign fishing vessels found trespassing or operating illegally in Malaysian waters,” he said.
Members of the public with information on suspicious maritime activities are urged to contact the emergency hotline at 999 or the Selangor Maritime Operations Centre at 013-660 6652 for immediate response.
