The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Perak seized a local fishing boat some 1.7 nautical miles (Northwest) off the coast of Sungai Burong, Bagan Datuk around 7.15pm yesterday.
Perak MMEA’s Director, Maritime Captain Mohd Hambali Ya’akup stated the seizure was carried out by the patrol boat of MMEA following public complaints on the involvement of foreign crew in local fishing activities at the waters of Bagan Datuk.
“Inspection by the operations team found that the boat was operated by two crew members including a tekong who are Indonesians aged 34 and 39 without valid identification”.
“They are suspected to breach Section 8 (a) of the Fisheries Act 1985 and Immigration Act 1959/63,” he said in a statement on Monday.
According to him, the boat and crew were then brought to the jetty of the Marine Police (PPM) of Sitiawan for investigation and further action by the enforcers of MMEA.
He added that members of the public can channel information or complaints on maritime crime to the maritime operations centre of Perak via 05-6838737 or MERS 999.
Rosli
