Explosives, bombed fish seized; fishermen detained
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized close to 50 pieces of explosives used for fish bombing during a raid on five pump boats at Mantanani Kecil in Kota Belud early yesterday morning.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Sabah and Labuan director First Admiral Mohd Zubil Mat Som said seven foreign fishermen were detained following the raid and about 200 kilograms of assorted fish that were caught through the illegal activity, were seized.
“Acting on a tip-off and continuous patrol operation, our men spotted five suspicious pump boats around 2.30am near Mantanani Kecil.
“Upon inspection, we found close to 50 modified explosives and detonators that were believed used for fish bombing activity.
“We also confiscated about 200 kilograms of fish from the suspects,” he said at a press conference at the MMEA headquarters here yesterday.
The suspects, aged 18 to 45, from a neighbouring country have been remanded for further investigation.
MMEA is investigating the case under Section 26(1) (c) of the Fishery Act 1985, Section 8 of the Explosive Act 1957 and Section 6(1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1959/1963.
Mohd Zubil said that the MMEA is taking fish bombing activity very seriously as the illegal act could damage the eco-system and marine life.
“Such activity can bring negative image to our tourism industry and destroyed coral reefs will take many years to grow back.
“MMEA will continue to carry more operation and will work closely with other enforcement agencies to combat such activity,” he said.
Also present yesterday was Kota Kinabalu MMEA director First Admiral Adam Aziz.