MMEA nabs duo for suspected fish bombing in Kunak

LAHAD DATU (March 8): A pump boat suspected of involvement in fish-bombing activities in Kunak waters was detained by Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) personnel early yesterday.

Lahad Datu MMEA director Dzulfikhar Ali said the boat was spotted by a patrol vessel approximately one nautical mile north of Kunak at 1.15am.

“The fishing boat was operated by two men, aged 18 and 23, without any documents. Further checks found 15 kilogrammes of fish that were believed to have been caught using explosives,” he said in a statement.

He added the suspects were detained for investigation under the Fisheries Act 1985 for carrying out fishing activities using explosives.

Dzulfikhar said fishing with explosives or fish bombs is a serious offence.

“It is not only illegal but can also destroy marine habitats, including coral reefs, and affect the country’s fisheries resources.”

He said the MMEA will continue to intensify patrols and will not compromise with any party involved in fish-bombing activities in the country’s waters.