MMEA detains local fishing vessel, crew members off Miri for suspected licence violation

MIRI (July 5): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri Zone has detained a local Class C fishing vessel for suspected licence violation under the Fisheries Act 1985.

MMEA Miri Maritime Zone Director Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad in a statement said the vessel was detained during an operation under Op Permai, Op Naga Timur and Op Tiris 3.0 at 8.5 nautical miles west of Tanjung Lobang on Thursday (July 4).

An inspection on the vessel found that the three local crew members aged between 25 and 55 were allegedly using unlicensed fishing equipment.

The vessel and the crew members were escorted to the Vessel Detention Centre (PTV) Miri Maritime Zone for further action.

“MMEA remains committed to enforcing the law in the Malaysian Maritime Zone and will not compromise with any individual or group that disobeys the law,” said Mohd Khairol.

Members of the public with any information, complaints or emergency incidents at sea can contact MERS 999 hotline or Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 085-418 204 or Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432 544 / 082-432 016 for immediate response.