SEMPORNA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized four boats that were suspected of being involved in fish bombing activities off Tanjung Tabu-Tabu, Wednesday.
Semporna Maritime Zone Director, Commander Amir Shubli said, while patrolling during Op Pluto Timur in the areas, Maritime personnel spotted four boats without registration numbers acting in a suspicious manner at the shallow waters.
When approached, the skipper and the crew jumped into the sea and swam away.
“Result of inspection on the boats found about 50kg fish and a glass bottle containing fertiliser which was suspected of being used in fish bombing activities.
“All the seizures were worth almost RM20,000,” he said, adding that the case will be investigated under Section 26 of Fisheries Act 1985.
Amir stressed that Semporna Maritime will not compromise with any individuals who carry out fish bombing activities as these illegal activities could harm tourist activities, especially divers.
He said, it will also cause negative impacts on marine ecosystem and causing injuries as well as fatalities.
He added that Semporna Maritime will continue to intensify patrolling and enforcement from time to time to curb criminal and illegal activities.
Members of public, especially the maritime community have been urged to provide information to Maritime by contacting Semporna Maritime at 089-782619 or MERS999.
Meanwhile, in PAPAR, Sabah and Labuan Maritime detained a local fishing boat for various offences, North West of Kuala Papar, on Wednesday.
Maritime Director, First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik said five crew, including the Indonesian skipper, were arrested on the local fishing in the 5.30pm incident.
“The boat was inspected by Malaysian Maritime officials who found that the names of the skipper and crew were not on the boat’s licence and they all had copies of dubious identification documents.
“The crew were suspected of committing an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance Act 1952 and the Immigration Act,” he said.
The boat and crew were brought to the Malaysian Maritime jetty in Sepanggar and handed over to investigating officers for further action.
“Maritime Malaysia advises all local fishing boat operators to continue to comply with all the regulations that have been set and will not compromise with any party that tries to obstruct the work of Maritime Malaysia officers in enforcing Malaysian Laws at sea,” he said.
