Illegal fishing: Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency nabs 20 Vietnamese

KUCHING: The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) arrested 20 Vietnamese fishermen aged between 16 to 55 years for illegally fishing in Malaysian waters on June 20.

MMEA also seized two fishing vessels which were towed to the Tun Abang Salahuddin Maritime Complex ( Komtas) in Muara Tebas.

“Both vessels were discovered some 65 nautical miles from Tanjung Sirik, Sarikei.

“After checks, it was discovered that the vessels were using fake local registration numbers,” said MMEA Sarawak deputy director (operations) Maritime Captain Robert Teh Geok Chuan at a press conference yesterday.

All the crew from both vessels also failed to produce any valid travel documents and a written permission to fish in Malaysian waters to the MMEA personnel.

The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1958.

MMEA appeals to local maritime community to inform them on any illegal activities at sea by calling their 24-hour hotline at 082-432544.

Teh (third right) inspecting the catch on one of the fishing vessels in front of the Vietnamese fishermen.