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KUDAT: Two Vietnamese fishing vessels were intercepted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) on Saturday while attempting to plunder marine resources in Kudat waters.

The operation followed a tip-off from the public, prompting the MMEA to pursue and locate the vessels near Pulau Latoan.

Upon approach, the crews tried to evade capture by severing tow ropes, trailing lines behind their boats, and installing iron bars to hinder boarding efforts.

A 15-minute chase ensued before enforcement officers successfully boarded the vessels, which were found with 20 kilogrammes of sea cucumber and specially designed equipment for harvesting them.

Eleven Vietnamese nationals, aged between 25 and 54, were detained without valid identification, and the vessels, marine catch, and 2,000 litres of diesel worth over RM4 million were seized for investigation under the Fisheries Act 1985 and Immigration Act 1959/63.