SEMPORNA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has foiled a bomb fishing attempt after seizing 23 sacks of ammonia fertilizer weighing nearly 575 kg in waters off Pulau Bum Bum on May 3.
MMEA Semporna Zone Director, Komander Maritim Amir Shubli, said a patrol boat spotted a suspicious vessel about 0.2 nautical miles north of the island around 4.00 pm. The suspect jumped into the sea and swam ashore to evade arrest.
Inspection of the boat revealed the 23 sacks, believed to be intended for fish bombing. The operation underscores MMEA’s commitment to combating high-impact crimes against marine ecosystems.
“Using ammonia fertilizer as an explosive is not only a criminal offence but also destroys our seabed treasures,” Amir said.
The seized items were taken to the MMEA jetty for further action. The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Supply Act 1961.
The public is urged to report any maritime crimes to the Semporna MMEA Operations Centre at 089-782619 or the 24-hour emergency line 999. – James Leong
The ammonia fertilizer confiscated by MMEA Semporna.
