The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a Class C fishing vessel after it was allegedly found breaching the conditions of its fishing licence in waters off Penang.
Penang MMEA director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the vessel was intercepted around midnight yesterday following a public complaint that it was believed to be operating less than 12 nautical miles from the coastline.
Acting on the information, a patrol boat carrying out routine surveillance was dispatched to the area. Officers later intercepted the vessel near the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority jetty in Batu Maung.
Suffi said the vessel was being operated by four crew members, including its skipper, all of whom were Thai nationals aged between 51 and 58.
Preliminary checks found that the vessel was suspected of violating the conditions of its valid fishing licence by entering and conducting fishing activities within a prohibited zone.
The suspected offence is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985, which governs fishing activities and licensing requirements in Malaysian waters.
“All four crew members, the vessel and seized items estimated to be worth RM3 million were taken to the Batu Maung jetty before being handed over to the Penang MMEA investigation officer for further action,” he said in a statement today.
Class C fishing vessels are local commercial vessels generally authorised for mid-shore and deep-sea fishing operations, subject to conditions imposed under the country’s fisheries regulations.
MMEA said it takes violations involving fishing licences and Malaysian maritime laws seriously, particularly activities carried out in restricted or prohibited fishing zones.
The enforcement action also highlights the agency’s continued monitoring of Malaysian waters to ensure fishing operators comply with licensing conditions and relevant regulations.
