MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri Zone has detained a Class C local fishing boat suspected of fishing illegally about 12 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Lobang.
Its director Captain Md Fauzi Othman said the boat was detained in an Ops Permai patrol conducted around Miri waters at about 1.15pm on Thursday (Mar 11).
“The boat was manned by four crew members, three of whom were Indonesians and another a local, aged between 25 and 44 years old.
“Further examination of the boat’s documents found that the operator failed to submit a permit notifying the use of valid foreign crew,” he said in a statement today.
He said all the crews, boats and fishing equipment were subsequently detained and escorted to the Miri Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre jetty for further investigation.
“The case will be investigated under Section 8 (b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 on suspicion of violating the conditions on the licence because its permit to use or employ foreign crews has expired,” added Fauzi.
He urged the maritime community, especially fishermen to always abide by the law and the legal conditions of their licences and prioritise safety when at sea by always wearing a safety jacket.
