LAHAD DATU: The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized a fishing vessel off Kunak waters, here, on Monday for violating licence terms.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the anchovy fishing vessel was detained about 5.40pm off the south of Pulau Maganting by MMEA while carrying task under Op Pluto Timur and Op Tiris.
Inspection results revealed that the vessel, operated by four local men aged between 31 and 59 was carrying two kilogrammes of fish.
Further investigation found that the vessel was in violation of the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing less than 1.5 nautical miles from the shore.
The vessel was also found committing the same offence in 2024 and has been compounded for RM1,500.
The boat, crew, 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 RM90,000.
“MMEA will not compromise against the violation of the law and continue to step up patrols and monitoring off the national waters.
“For any complaints and information on criminal activities as well as emergencies, members of the public may contact Lahad Datu Maritime Operation Centre via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or Mers 999 for immediate action,” he added.
