Vietnamese fishermen fined RM3 mln for trespassing in Malaysian waters

MIRI: The Miri Sessions Court yesterday (Aug 9) handed down a total fine of RM3 million to 21 Vietnamese fishermen for illegally entering Malaysian waters.

The ruling was delivered by Judge Azreena Aziz after the two charges were read to the accused, aged between 22 and 55.

The fishermen were found guilty under Section 16(3) of the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317).

According to Miri Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, in the first charge, the tekong (captain) was fined RM 500,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

One of the seized fishing vessels.

Additionally, 18 crew members were each fined RM100,000 or four months’ imprisonment for operating a foreign fishing vessel that was apprehended by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

The second charge saw the tekong facing another RM 500,000 fine or six months in jail, while one crew member was fined RM 200,000 or four months in jail. This charge was related to a separate foreign fishing vessel also detained by the Malaysian Maritime Authority.

The court further ordered that the proceeds from the auction of diesel fuel and marine catches be forfeited to the government.

According to the charges, the fishermen were caught trespassing within Malaysian waters, approximately 70 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Lobang, here at 2pm and 5:40pm on June 30.

The prosecution was led by Deputy Maritime Public Prosecutor Yong Ann Nee, while the accused were represented by Ranbir S Sangha.