By Aida Aziz
Photo Maritim Perak
LUMUT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) in the state of Perak seized a total of 31 sets of dragon traps at a location approximately 1.1 nautical miles northeast of Talang Island yesterday evening.
The Director of Maritime Perak, Captain Maritime Mohd Hambali Ya’akup, stated that the traps were discovered by a Maritime Malaysia patrol boat conducting Operations Pintas, Op Tanjung, and Op Tiris in the waters of Perak. They found white buoys attached to suspicious wooden posts on the water’s surface in that area.
“Upon inspection, it was determined that the white buoys attached to the wooden posts were markers for the location of dragon traps set by individuals or groups not authorized to do so.
“All the dragon traps were seized and taken to the Acheh Fishing Jetty before being handed over to investigators for further action.
“The owners of the dragon traps may be charged under Section 11(3)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for using unauthorized fishing methods,” he said in a statement on Monday.
He further explained that the use of dragon traps can lead to juvenile fish and shrimp easily getting trapped in the nets, affecting marine biodiversity and causing a decrease in seafood yields.
Mohd Hambali added that Maritime Perak will continue to monitor and investigate these activities from time to time to curb the widespread use of dragon traps.
The public, especially the maritime community, is urged to report any violations of the law at sea to the authorities as their eyes and ears.
For any reports, complaints, or emergency incidents at sea, the public can contact the MERS 999 hotline or the Maritime Operations Center of Perak State at 05-6838737 for immediate action.
