Penang MMEA arrests three locals for trespassing into a prohibited area at the Penang Bridge structure.
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) arrested three local individuals suspected of trespassing in the prohibited area at the Penang Bridge structure, here yesterday.
Penang State Maritime director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the arrests were made when members of the Malaysian Maritime Patrol Boat were patrolling around Penang waters at 1.30 pm.
He said an inspection at the foot of the Penang Bridge piers found two men and a woman in an area gazetted as a prohibited area.
“The individuals are suspected of committing an offence under Section 447 of the Penal Code for trespassing into a restricted area.
“They were detained before being escorted to the Batu Uban Marine Police Force Jetty to be handed over to the Investigating Officer of the Penang State Maritime Headquarters for further action,” he said in a statement today.
Muhammad Suffi said the areas under the Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge are declared as prohibited sites which cover a buffer zone of 250 metres on the left and right sides of the bridge.
He said the enforcement action was to ensure compliance with the law and raise awareness among the maritime community and the public on the importance of complying with gazetted restricted areas.
