KUCHING, March 12: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized a local fishing boat for breaching its Class C license’s permit, about 12 miles north-west of Tanjung Lobang, Miri yesterday.
MMEA Miri Capt Md Fauzi Othman, in a press statement today, said the boat was stopped by one of their assets during an “Ops Permai” patrol conducted along Miri waters at about 1.15 pm on March 11.
According to him, the boat was operated by three Indonesian crew members together with a local skipper, aged between 25 to 44 years.
“During an inspection, it was found that the boat failed to produce a valid permit for using foreigners as crew members,” he said.
Md Fauzi noted the boat together with its crew members, along with the fishing equipment, were later escorted to MMEA Miri Zone Vessel Detention Centre (PTV)’s jetty, for further investigation.
“The case is being investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985, for breaching the license’s term in hiring foreigners,” he added.
He also called for the local maritime community, especially the local fishing communities to always comply with the law and legal conditions of their licenses, including prioritising safety by wearing a safety jacket.
“For any inquiry, contact our MMEA Miri zone operation centre at 084-613292, or MMEA Sarawak operation centre at 082-432544, or the Malaysian Emergency Response Service (MERS) 999 which is operating for 24 hours,” he said. — DayakDaily
