MMEA detains local fishing vessel off Kuala Baram over licensing issues

MIRI (April 25): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a local fishing vessel for breaching licensing conditions and immigration regulations during an enforcement operation off Kuala Baram on Friday.

MMEA Miri director Capt Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the vessel was intercepted at 1.40pm, at a position 7.2 nautical miles north-west of Kuala Baram.

“During the inspection, the crew failed to produce valid identification documents, constituting an offence under the Immigration Act 1959/63.

“The vessel also breached the terms of its licence by employing a skipper who was not registered in the licence book, an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985,” he said in a statement.

According to Mohd Khairol, the vessel had four crew members on board, comprising two Malaysians and two Indonesians, aged between 25 and 66.

Following the issuance of a detention, the vessel was brought to the Pulau Melayu Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to the investigating officers for further action.

Mohd Khairol added: “The MMEA does not compromise on any violation of the law that could jeopardise the safety and sovereignty of the nation’s waters.

“Enforcement will continue to be intensified to ensure that Malaysian waters remain safe, controlled and free from maritime crime.”

Members of the public with information on suspicious activities or maritime emergencies are urged to contact the emergency hotline 999, Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre via 085-649 111, or the Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre via 082-432 544 / 082-432 016.