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SEMPORNA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized corals harvested illegally from an island off here, with the suspect evading capture by jumping into the sea.

Semporna Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Amir Shubli, said MMEA personnel were on Op Pluto Timur duty near the Tanjung Tabu-Tabu area when they noticed a suspicious vessel late Wednesday.

He said a man on the boat escaped by jumping into the waters before disappearing in a mangrove area. “Upon inspection, the unregistered boat was found to contain three boxes filled with corals,” he said.

Amir said the corals were not supposed to be harvested as it is an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985. “The corals were seized together with the vessel for further investigation. The value of the seizures is estimated at RM13,000,” he said.

He said the MMEA takes the illegal harvesting of marine resources seriously as it could harm the ecosystem, and would not hesitate to take stern action against perpetrators.

Amir urged the public to contact the Semporna maritime authorities at 089-782521 or 999 if they have any information on illegal or suspicious activities in their area.