TAWAU: Two fishermen were each fined RM5,000 in default 10 months’ jail by the Sessions Court here on Wednesday for possessing 10 fish caught using explosives in Semporna waters.
Alai Saidali, 40, and Zulhamjah Bashah, 50, were sentenced by Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya after pleading guilty to the offence committed aboard an unregistered pump boat.
The offence took place in the waters off Laut Bulipatuid, Semporna, at 12.30pm on Sept 19, this year.
The offence under Section 26(1)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985, read together with Section 34 of the Penal Code, and punishable under the same provision of the Fisheries Act 1985 carries a fine of up to RM250,000, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, the two men were detained by the Marine Police Force (PPM), which was conducting Op Taring Gelora, during an inspection of the pump boat operated by the accused.
A search of the boat uncovered 25kg of various types of fish suspected to have been caught using explosives.
Subsequent expert examinations confirmed that 10 fish samples taken for post-mortem examination and verification had tested positive for being caught using explosives.
Sabah Fisheries Department Prosecuting Officer Laester Bulun conducted the prosecution, while both accused were unrepresented.
