Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

LAHAD DATU: The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized two fishing vessels off Tabawak and Kunak waters on Thursday for violating license terms.

Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the first vessel was detained around 2pm off Kampung Pangi Hujung Kunak, while the second was apprehended at 4.30pm off Pulau Majinkil.

Inspection results revealed that the first vessel, operated by two local men, was carrying 2 kilogrammes of fish, while the second boat, operated by two locals and a Filipino, had a catch of 4 kilogrammes.

Further investigation found that both vessels were in violation of the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing less than 1.5 nautical miles from the shore, an offence under their license terms.

All boats, crews, and catches were brought to Lahad Datu Fishery jetty and handed over to the investigation officer for further action, with the seizure estimated to be worth RM188,000.