By Aida Aziz
Photo: Perak Maritime
LUMUT: A total of 25 sets of dragon fish traps were seized by the Perak State Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) about 0.9 nautical miles north of Pulau Talang yesterday.
Its Director, Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob, stated that all the traps were detected by the Maritime Malaysia patrol boat while conducting patrols in the area.
He noted that a white flag was found floating along with a drink bottle used as a buoy tied to a wooden stake.
“A close inspection by the patrol boat members confirmed that the suspicious flag floating on the water, tied to the wooden stake, marked the location of the dragon fish traps.
“It was set up by irresponsible individuals or groups. All the dragon fish traps, estimated to be worth RM3,000, were seized and handed over to the investigating officer of Maritime Malaysia for further action,” he said here today.
He mentioned that the owner of the dragon fish traps could be prosecuted under Section 11(3)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for using prohibited methods for fishing.
If convicted, the offender could face a fine of up to RM20,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
Therefore, Mohamad Shukri urged the public, especially the maritime community, to continue sharing information on any legal violations at sea by contacting the emergency line 999 or the Perak State Maritime Operations Centre at 05-6838737.
