MMEA detains eight crew, seizes two boats for illegal fishing

MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained eight foreign crew members and two foreign fishing boats for allegedly fishing in national waters without permission yesterday (Aug 17).

MMEA Miri Zone director Capt Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the detention was made after the vessels were spotted fishing at about 47 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Payung.

He added that the boats were operated by eight crew members including two skippers.

“Investigations found that the crew had committed the offense of fishing in Malaysian waters without permission from the Director General of Fisheries Department.

“The crew members, aged between 19 and 48, together with the vessels, were later escorted to Miri vessel detention centre for further action,” he said.

Handout photos show the foreign fishing boats at about 47 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Payung.

Mohd Khairol said the case is being investigated under the Section 15 (1)(a) of the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317).

He also assured that the agency remains committed to enforcing the law in MMEA zones and will not compromise with anyone found to have committed an offense.

Complaints, information, or emergencies at sea can be reported directly to the MMEA Miri Operations Centre at 085-418204 or the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544/016.