Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a Philippine fishing vessel and 65 crew members suspected of carrying out unauthorised fishing in Malaysian waters off Pulau Mantanani on Sept 27.
Sabah and Labuan Maritime Director First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid said a routine patrol detected the boat at about 1.30pm, approximately 18 nautical miles west of the island.
A preliminary check revealed the crew were transferring about four tonnes of marine catch into the vessel.
Khairulanuar said further inspections showed the 65 crew, including the skipper, failed to produce valid identification documents or work permits and also lacked permission from the Fisheries Director-General to fish in local waters.
The vessel, crew, and catch—valued collectively at an estimated RM350,000—were brought to the MMEA jetty and handed over to an investigating officer for further action under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and the Fisheries Act 1985.
