TANJUNG MANIS: A local fishing boat found trawling in coastal waters was brought to book by enforcement officers on Friday morning.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency’s (MMEA) Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Gilbert Tinggak Numpang, said they found a skipper and crew, all locals, on board.
“The fishing equipment, trawl nets, and the boat were confiscated on suspicion of violating the Fisheries Act 1985,” he said.
According to Gilbert the seizure followed complaints from the maritime community about fishing boats using trawl nets on coastal areas, which had damaged the marine ecosystem in those areas.
“The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for violating the terms of a valid licence by engaging in fishing activities with unauthorised equipment,” he said.
The public may report any suspicious activities or accidents at sea directly to the MERS 999 hotline or the Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 010-5063293, which operates round the clock.
