MMEA detains fishing boat carrying 10 anglers for various offences in Kuching waters

KUCHING (Oct 7): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a fishing boat carrying 10 anglers and its local skipper for various offences in Kuching waters on Friday.

MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Kamal Ariffin Jusoh said the boat was detained at 4.14pm during ‘Op Permai’ and ‘Op Tiris’ patrols at 1.5 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Talang-Talang Besar.

“Inspection found 10 anglers and one local skipper were on the boat and were suspected of violating the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for operating without a valid boat licence and possessing an expired apparatus assignment certificate.

“The boat was escorted to the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex (Komtas) and handed over to the investigation officer for further action,” Kamal said in a statement today.

He said MMEA Sarawak will not compromise with any party that violates the country’s maritime laws, especially in Sarawak waters.

Those with complaints, information, or have emergencies at sea can contact the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre on 082-432544 or via the 24-hour hotline 999.