MMEA Detains Two Local Fishing Vessels, Six Thai Crew In Langkawi Waters

ALOR SETAR, March 31 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two local fishing vessels along with six Thai crew members in two separate operations in Langkawi waters yesterday.

Kedah and Perlis Maritime director First Admiral Romli Mustafa said the first vessel was detained at about 11 am at 9.2 nautical miles west of Tanjung Belua, involving a local vessel with three Thai crew members aged between 43 and 69.

“Inspection found that the vessel had committed an offence under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing less than 15 nautical miles from the shore, and had also violated the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said in a statement today.

According to Romli, the second vessel with three Thai crew members aged between 31 and 53 was detained at about 1.25 pm at 4.0 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Chinchin.

Further inspection revealed that the vessel had modified its diesel storage tank capacity, which constitutes an offence under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985, in addition to breaching the Immigration Act 1959/63.

Romli said the MMEA would not compromise on any violations of the law and would continue to intensify patrols to curb illegal activities in the nation’s waters.

He also urged the public to relay any information related to maritime crimes or emergencies via the 999 hotline or the Kedah and Perlis Maritime State Operations Centre at 04-9662750 for immediate action.

-- BERNAMA