In KLANG, a local fishing boat was apprehended near Sekinchan for being operated by illegal immigrants, according to Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Selangor state director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh.
Abdul Muhaimin stated that the Class B1 fishing boat was discovered and intercepted at approximately 8.15am on Thursday (Jan 25) at a position of 6.4 nautical miles from Sekinchan.
“During patrols, we observed the boat engaging in fishing activities within eight nautical miles from land, Following the detention of the boat, an inspection revealed that the boat was managed by a skipper and three Myanmar nationals aged between 34 to 59,” said Abdul Muhaimin.
“None of the suspects were able to produce valid identification documents, work permits, or a letter of permission from the Director General of Fisheries Malaysia to work on the boat in question,” he added in a statement on Thursday.
He stated that all of them were subsequently arrested along with an estimated mixed catch weighing around 200 kg and were taken to the Marine Police Jetty at Pulau Indah for further investigation.
“The case has been categorized under the Fisheries Act 1985 for violating the valid conditions of the license including conducting fishing activities below eight nautical miles,” said Abdul Muhaimin.
“This case is also under investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63 because all of the suspects lack valid identification documents,” he added.
Abdul Muhaimin emphasized that the MMEA would continue to enhance monitoring and law enforcement in the waters of Malaysia, particularly in the waters of Selangor.
