LAHAD DATU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two local fishing boats in the waters off Kunak’s east port.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Deputy Director Lieutenant Mohd Firdos Ayub said the boats were found fishing less than 1.5 nautical miles from the shore.
He said a MMEA patrol craft detected the boats during “Ops Sejahtera” at 10.24am and 10.40am.
“Inspections on the boats found four local men and a Filipino, aged between 22 and 51, on board. “The boats were suspected of violating their licence condition by carrying out fishing activities at 1.1 and 1.2 nautical miles from the coast,” he said.
He added that all the crew members and their boats were escorted to the Lahad Datu MMEA jetty to be handed over to Lahad Datu Maritime Zone for investigation under the Fisheries Act 1985.
The seizures, including the fishing boats, nets and the catch, were estimated to be worth about RM180,000.
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Mohd Firdos said they would continue to monitor local fishermen to ensure that they do not violate their licence conditions.
“This activity may damage the ecosystem and disturb the fishing activities of traditional fishermen.
“Member of public, especially the maritime community, may help us by providing information on any suspicious or criminal activity at the sea to our operations centre at 089-885727 or MERS999.”
