Penang MMEA Detains VNT Worth RM3 Mln For Violating Valid Licence Conditions

GEORGE TOWN, May 7 (Bernama) -- The Penang branch of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a Class C local fishing vessel (VNT) for allegedly violating the valid licence conditions while located 2.7 nautical miles south of Pulau Kendi last night.

Its director, Captain Maritime Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, said that the VNT was detained by an MMEA boat conducting routine patrols before an inspection of the fishing vessel was conducted.

"The inspection found that the vessel was operated by five Myanmar crew members, including the skipper, all aged between 22 and 38 years, and one of them failed to present valid identification documents.

"The case is being investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for using foreign crew without the permission of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia director-general, and under the Immigration Act 1959/63 Section 15(1) for not having a valid work permit on the vessel in question," he said in a statement today.

He also said all the crew members and the vessel, which is estimated to be worth RM3 million, have been handed over to the Penang MMEA investigating officer for further investigation.

-- BERNAMA