SIBU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a Class C fishing boat for allegedly violating its fishing licence conditions, about six nautical miles northwest of Kabong Beach, on Sunday.
MMEA Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone director Commander Gilbert Tinggak Numpang said enforcement personnel were carrying out monitoring operations in the area when they detected the boat at about 11.20am.
“The boat was suspected of conducting fishing activities using trawlers.
“An inspection found that the boat had violated its fishing licence conditions by carrying out fishing activities less than the permitted distance of seven nautical miles from the coast,” he said in a statement.
Gilbert said the local six-man crew, aged between 21 and 48, were detained, while the fishing boat together with a catch of about 1,000kg were seized.
“They have been taken to Tanjung Manis terminal jetty for further investigation under the Fisheries Act 1985,” he added.
He reminded the maritime community to comply with all regulations before carrying out any activities at sea.
The maritime community are also urged to report any suspicious activities or incidents at sea directly to the Malaysian Emergency Response Services (MERS) 999, Tanjung Manis Maritime Zone Maritime Operations Centre on 0105063293, or Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre on 082-432544.
The Borneo Post
