By Tedong Rantayy
Miri, Oct 8: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri has detained two foreign vessels along with 10 crew members, including two skippers, on suspicion of illegal fishing in Sarawak waters.
The vessels, valued at an estimated RM4 million, were intercepted during a routine patrol on Oct 5, approximately 132 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Baram.
First Admiral Kamal Ariffin Jusoh who is the MMEA Sarawak director, disclosed that the interception was made after the MMEA patrol detected two suspicious vessels believed to be engaged in illegal fishing activities.
“The vessels were acting suspiciously when spotted by the patrol team. After docking for inspection, both vessels were confirmed to be foreign based on their registration numbers and design, suspected to be from Vietnam,” Kamal Ariffin said during a press conference today in Miri.
The MMEA Miri team seized 2,000 litres of diesel worth RM6,000 from the vessels. Despite some initial resistance, the enforcement team managed to control the situation and proceeded with the inspection.
The first vessel was detained at around 11.35am with five crew members, including a male skipper, aged between 48 and 66, on board.
They were suspected of fishing in Malaysian waters without proper notification.
The second vessel was detained at approximately 11.55 am with five crew members, including a skipper, aged between 30 and 63.
None of the crew members were able to produce valid identification documents during the inspection.
Both vessels and their crew have been escorted to a MMEA detention centre for further investigation.
The case will be investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. If convicted, the skippers face fines of up to RM1 million, while each crew member could face fines of RM100,000 or up to two years in prison.
Kamal Ariffin further emphasised that the MMEA would continue to intensify its monitoring efforts to prevent foreign fishing vessels from encroaching into Sarawak’s waters.
“Maritime Malaysia will not compromise with any party found guilty of committing offenses or engaging in criminal activities at sea,” he said. — DayakDaily
