By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Aug 18: Two owners of different Malaysian fishing vessels were sentenced to a fine of RM5,000 respectively for undertaking fishing activities contravening the conditions of their fishing licence.
Valentine Leslie Udi, 55, and Dayang Saedah Awang Bol, 62, were charged separately at the Sessions Courts here today.
They pleaded guilty to the charge framed.
Sessions Court Judge Steve Ritikos accepted their guilty plea and sentenced them to a fine of RM5,000 each or in default to 3 months’ imprisonment respectively.
Their respective fishing vessels were found to be undertaking fishing activities in contravention of the conditions in the licence issued in respect to the vessel, that is trawling less than 30 nautical miles offshore.
Valentine’s vessel was found trawling at approximately 21.1 nautical miles from Tanjung Sipang, at about 10.30am, on July 3, 2020.
Dayang Saedah’s fishing vessel was found trawling at approximately 22.6 nautical miles from Tanjung Sipang, at about 10.14am, on July 3, 2020.
They were charged under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 which is punishable under Section 25(b) of the same Act, which carries a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both, upon conviction.
Officer Mohammad Shafiq Hafizi Ishak prosecuted while both accused were represented by counsel Ian Lee. — DayakDaily
