MMEA Detains Two Vessels, Nine Crew, Including Foreigners, In Penang Waters

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two vessels and nine crew members, including five foreigners, in two separate operations conducted in state waters on Jan 14 and 16.

State Maritime director Capt Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said in the first case on Wednesday, the agency intercepted a Class C local fishing vessel (VNT) operated by four local crew members.

“Checks revealed that the vessel was conducting fishing activities within 15 nautical miles, which is a violation of its licence.

“All crew members, aged between 37 and 60, along with the vessel, were handed over to the state maritime investigation officer for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for breaching the conditions of a Class C local fishing vessel licence,” he said in a statement tonight.

Meanwhile, in the second case yesterday, Muhammad Suffi said an Indonesian fishing vessel was detained by a patrol boat on suspicion of illegal fishing in Malaysian waters.

He said the detention took place at 10 am, 26 nautical miles west of Pulau Kendi.

The vessel was believed to be fishing in Malaysian waters, with five Indonesian crew members aged 15 to 40.

“Further checks found that the crew failed to produce valid identification documents, and all of them have been detained for investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said.

Muhammad Suffi added that the Penang MMEA would continue to intensify patrols in state waters to ensure enforcement was carried out and to prevent illegal activities at sea.

-- BERNAMA