KUDAT: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two Vietnamese fishing vessels for illegally fishing northwest of Straggler Island, on Monday (Sept 15).
A total of 11 crew members aged 17 to 48, including the skipper, were arrested for failing to produce valid documents.
The seizure, including the vessels, fishing gear and catch, was valued at RM6 million.
“MMEA will not compromise with foreign fishermen trespassing our waters, as it threatens national fishery resources and harms local communities,” said Kudat Maritime Zone Director Maritime Commander Hasbullah Omar.
Both vessels were escorted to the Kudat Maritime jetty after a 12-hour journey for further investigation.
Hasbullah urged the public, especially the maritime community, to report suspicious activities to the Kudat Operations Centre at 088-611858 or the emergency line 999 for immediate action.
