Two foreign fishing vessels intercepted off Tg Payung in Miri

MIRI (Aug 19): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here detained two foreign fishing vessels during a routine patrol in Miri waters last weekend.

MMEA Miri director Capt Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the vessels were intercepted at a location about 47 nautical miles from the northwest of Tanjung Payung here, early Saturday.

Upon inspection, the MMEA enforcement team found the vessels carried a total of six crew members.

“The two vessels were then taken to berth at Miri Vessel Detention Centre (PTV) before being handed over to the Malaysian Maritime investigation officer for further action.

“The case is now being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) Section 15 (1) (a), an offence committed by foreign vessels carrying out fishing activities in Malaysian waters without the permission of the Director General of Fisheries,” said Mohd Khairol.

Adding on, he stressed that the MMEA is always committed to enforcing the law and would never compromise on offences committed by foreign or local maritime players.

For any complaints and emergency incidents at sea, call the NG 999 emergency line or MMEA Miri Zone Maritime Operations Centre on 085-418 204 / Sarawak MMEA Operations Centre on 082-432 544 / 082-432 016.