MMEA detains local fisherman’s boat using foreign workers

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a local fisherman’s boat using foreign workers about two nautical miles west of Bagan Ajam near here on Friday.

Penang Maritime District 2 deputy director ( Operations) Azman Samsudin said an MMEA patrol boat operating in the area stopped the class A fishing boat at 2pm, and a check on board found a skipper and two crew members from Thailand.

“The three Thai men aged between 19 and 35 were believed to be working with a local boat owner, and our inspection also found that the boat did not display a licence,” he said here yesterday.

Azman said they had arrested the three men and traced the owner of the boat to carry out further investigations. He said the fishing boat and equipment were seized.

Azman said the case was being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for using foreign labour and not exhibiting a valid licence.

He also warned fishing boat operators to comply with the law and terms of their fishing licence.

“We always carry out patrols to curb criminal activities at sea and will take action if anyone is found violating the country’s laws,” he said.

He said any criminal activity or emergency at sea could be reported 24- hours- a- day via the MERS emergency line at 999 or Penang Maritime Operations Centre hotline at 04- 2626146. — Bernama