By Aida Aziz
Photo APMM
KUALA KURAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) through the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone has seized 50 units of dragon nets at a position of 5.9 nautical miles southwest of Kuala Gula, yesterday evening.
Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Commander Mohd Najhan Azman Hamid said, during a routine patrol in the waters of Kerian and Larut Matang, the Malaysian Maritime Patrol boat team detected a white buoy suspected of marking a dragon trap.
“Further inspection of the buoy found as many as 50 units of dragon traps in that location.
“All the seized dragon traps were taken to the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Jetty for further action.
“The estimated value of the seizure is estimated at RM3,500 with an estimated RM70 per unit,” he told reporters on Monday.
He said the case was investigated in accordance with Section 11 (3)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985, which is to install or cause to be installed any fish splints, fishing equipment or fish gathering devices without written permission from the Director General of Fisheries Malaysia.
He further explained that, starting at the beginning of May this year, a total of 132 units of dragon nets were successfully seized in the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone, making the estimated total amount seized as RM9,240.
For any complaints, misconduct and emergency incidents that occur at sea, the public can report it to the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 05-7279919 or MERS 999 for immediate response.
