LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here detained a pump boat suspected of engaging in fish bombing activities in Kunak waters, early Saturday.
Lahad Datu MMEA director Komander Maritim Dzulfikhar Ali, stated that two suspects, both local men from the Palauh group, aged between 18 and 23, were nabbed while conducting the illegal activity.
“The suspects were detained around 1.15 am by MMEA personnel during patrol in Op Pluto Timur 2/2023, Op Tiris 3.0, and Op Khas Pagar Laut 1/2026 operations approximately one nautical mile northeast of Kunak,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
Dzulfikhar reported that initial inspections revealed the boat, which bore no registration number, was operated by two local men who failed to produce any identification documents.
“Further inspection found they were engaged in fishing using explosives, thereby committing an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985. Authorities also discovered about 15 kilogrammes of fish and several diving apparatuses, including an air hose, on the boat,” he explained.
Dzulfikhar emphasised that fishing using explosives, commonly known as fish bombing, is a serious offence. It is not only illegal but also destructive to marine habitats, including coral reefs, and depletes the nation’s fishery resources.
“MMEA will continue to intensify patrols and will not compromise with any parties involved in fish bombing activities in the country’s waters,” he asserted.
All suspects, their boat, and the catch were subsequently taken to the Lahad Datu MMEA Jetty for further action. – James Leong
A MMEA personnel watches over the suspects and their pump boat on Saturday.
