LAHAD DATU: A total of 211 local fishing vessels were inspected, with two detained, during the Integrated Mardof Sabah operation conducted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) with the Fisheries Department from Aug 4 to 14.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali said the seven-day operation focused on ensuring compliance with vessel licensing requirements, verifying the identities of skippers and crew and inspecting the use of permitted fishing equipment.
He said 90 individuals, comprising 58 Malaysians and 32 foreigners, were inspected during the operation.
“Two local fishing vessels were detained after being found committing offences under the Fisheries Act 1985 in the Lahad Datu and Kunak waters,” he said.
The offences involved fishing activities using explosives and fishing within two nautical miles of the nearest island.
The total value of the seizures from the two cases was estimated at RM206,000.
Dzulfikhar said the Mardof Sabah operation was carried out in phases covering an introduction phase, sea operations, land operations and a debriefing session, involving 30 officers and personnel from Lahad Datu Maritime Zone and the Lahad Datu Fisheries Department.
He said the joint operation reflected the continued commitment of both agencies to strengthening maritime law enforcement, curbing illegal fishing activities and safeguarding the country’s fisheries resources.
He urged the public to continue providing information on criminal activities or suspicious activities at sea to the Lahad Datu Maritime Operations Centre via WhatsApp at 016-930 5727 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action.
