LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained an anchovy purse-seine fishing boat suspected of breaching its licence conditions in Kunak waters on Sept 22.
Lahad Datu MMEA director Komander Maritim Dzulfikhar Ali said the boat was detained about 0.8 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Burong, Madai, Kunak, about 12.35 pm while it was fishing in a prohibited area.
According to him preliminary checks showed the vessel was operated by a 42-year-old local skipper and three Filipino crew members aged between 21 and 41. All of them possessed valid identification documents, he said.
The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for allegedly breaching licence conditions by fishing in an unauthorised area.
“Enforcement efforts will continue to be intensified to ensure all operators and fishermen comply with licence conditions and fishing regulations, thereby protecting fisheries resources and the security of the country’s waters,” Dzulfikhar said.
He also urged the public to report any information on maritime crime or emergencies at sea to the Lahad Datu MMEA Headquarters Operations Centre via WhatsApp at 016-930 5727 or the emergency line 999 so that immediate action can be taken. –James Leong
The fishing boat detained by MMEA in Kunak waters on Sept 22.
