In Kuala Perlis, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) arrested 11 Thai nationals on suspicion of catching bamboo clams 1.2 nautical miles west of the Sungai Baru river mouth on Friday, Feb 9. The director of the Kuala Perlis Maritime Zone, Mohd Hashim Mat Zain, disclosed that the detained individuals included three skippers and eight crew members ranging from 18 to 42 years old.
During the operation, the patrol boat Perkasa 1227, carrying out Ops Aman and Ops Tiris 3.0 in Perlis waters, discovered three boats from a neighboring country involved in the activity. Despite attempts by some of the crew members to escape, MMEA personnel successfully apprehended all individuals and boats. Mohd Hashim stated in a Saturday, Feb 10th statement that the suspects and boats, valued at RM40,000, were taken to the Kuala Perlis Maritime Zone Jetty for further investigation.
Mohd Hashim appealed to the public to promptly report smuggling and maritime crimes to the Kuala Perlis Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 04-9851072 or 04-9851162 as well as the MERS 999 hotline. – Bernama
