KUNAK: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Lahad Datu Zone detained a local boat skipper and four Filipino crew members for illegal fishing activities near the Kunak coastline, Monday.
Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director Dzulfikhar Ali said the arrest took place around 11.55am during Ops Pluto Timur 2/2013 and Ops Tiris 3.0, about 0.14 nautical miles east of Pulau Timbun Mata.
Authorities also seized a fishing vessel and 8kg of fish during the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed the boat had breached the Fisheries Act 1985 by operating within less than one nautical mile from shore, violating its license conditions.
Additionally, the vessel failed to report a change of skipper as required under the Sabah Port and Harbour Department Enactment, further compounding the offence.
Dzulfikhar warned that stern action would be taken against boat operators who flout licensing rules, especially in restricted zones.
“These distance regulations are in place to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of our fisheries resources,” he stressed.
The suspects and seized items were brought to the Lahad Datu Maritime Jetty for further investigation.
The MMEA has urged the maritime community to follow all maritime laws and to report suspicious activities via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or through the emergency line 999.
