VIETNAMESE FISHERMEN TRY NEW TACTIC TO FOOL MMEA
They try to dodge inspection by giving boats Malay names, flying Jalur Gemilang
THE Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has discovered a new tactic by foreign fishermen who want to fish in our waters — disguising their vessels as local boats.
The agency made this discovery when it detained two trawlers some 22 nautical miles off Tanjung Sedili for fishing without a licence on Tuesday afternoon.
Tanjung Sedili MMEA director Captain Amran Daud said the trawlers, which were from Vietnam, had Malay names — Azam Baru 1 and Azam Baru 2.
“They flew the Jalur Gemilang on the boats to avoid inspection. They assumed local boats won’t be inspected.”
He said the tactic proved to be futile as the agency carried out checks on all boats entering the country.
“Checks revealed that both trawlers did not have valid licences to fish, and all 23 crew members and the two captains, aged between 19 and 55, are Vietnamese.”
He said some crew members did not have identification documents.
“We found six tonnes of fish on the trawlers.”
He said the trawlers, the fish and fishing equipment, worth RM450,000, were seized.
“The trawlers have been towed to Tanjung Sedili jetty. Crew members have been brought to the MMEA office to have their statements recorded before they are handed over to the police for further action.”
Amran said the case was being investigated under Section 15 (1) and Section 16 (3) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for illegal fishing and for trespassing into the country’s territorial waters.