MMEA detains foreign vessels, crew for alleged encroachment, illegal fishing near Tanjong Baram

MIRI (Oct 8): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained two foreign fishing vessels and 10 crew members, including two skippers, for alleged encroachment and illegal fishing into Malaysian waters.

MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral (Maritime) Kamal Ariffin Jusoh said the two vessels were detained approximately 132 nautical miles northwest of Tanjong Baram last Saturday.

“On Oct 5, at around 10.18am, the MMEA patrol vessel was conducting a routine patrol in Sarawak waters when they detected two suspicious-looking vessels suspected of encroachment and illegal fishing activities.

“The patrol ship intercepted the first vessel at 11.35am, and upon inspection, found it to be a Vietnamese fishing vessel with five crew members, including a skipper.

“The crew, aged between 48 and 66, were subsequently apprehended,” he told a press conference after officiating the closing of the MMEA Search and Rescue exercise (Sarex) at a leading hotel here today.

Kamal Ariffin mentioned that the second vessel was detained at 11.55am, and five crew members, including a skipper, aged between 30 and 63, were arrested.

“MMEA also seized 2,000 litres of diesel, estimated to be worth RM6,000, from the two vessels.”

The total seizure, including the vessels is estimated to be around RM4 million.

He said the suspects and vessels were escorted to the Miri vessel detention centre for further investigation under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.

If convicted, the skippers could be fined up to RM1 million, while the crew members could be fined RM100,000 each or face up to two years in jail.

Kamal Ariffin emphasised that MMEA remains committed to enforcing the law in Malaysia’s maritime zones and will not compromise with any offenders.

Also present were MMEA Sarawak deputy director (operations) Capt Simon Templer Lo Tusa (left) and Miri Maritime Zone director Maritime Capt Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad.