By: Aida Aziz
KUALA KURAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia), through the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone, detained a fibreglass boat along with 18 units of dragon fish traps at a position 0.2 nautical miles west of Kuala Gula, here yesterday.
The Director of the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone, Maritime Commander Mohd Najhan Azman Hamid, stated that the boat was apprehended at approximately 10:39 a.m. after being detected by the Malaysian Maritime operation team during routine patrols in the waters of Kerian and Larut Matang.
“After approaching and inspecting the boat, the operation team found it being operated alone by a 42-year-old local fisherman who possesses a valid licence.
“However, further inspection revealed 18 units of dragon fish traps on the main deck of the boat, suspected to be used as fishing equipment.
“The skipper was detained for investigation, while the boat and the 18 seized units of dragon fish traps were taken to the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Jetty for further action,” he told reporters on Sunday.
He said that the case is being investigated under Section 11 (3)(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for possessing and suspected use of fishing equipment without a valid licence.
Furthermore, he emphasised that the maritime community must adhere to the established laws and refrain from using fishing equipment that could have negative effects on the marine ecosystem for personal gain.
For any complaints, misconduct, or emergencies at sea, the public can contact the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Operations Center at 05-7279919 or MERS 999 for immediate feedback.
