Penang MMEA detains Indonesian vessel over alleged illegal fishing

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) apprehended an Indonesian fishing vessel off the coast of Penang on July 31, 2023, according to officials. The unregistered wooden ship, named KM Semilang, was spotted by the Penang MMEA during a regular patrol. The vessel was found in Malaysian waters, approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Kendi, and was intercepted at 11:20 am.

The MMEA stated that the Indonesian crew of five, aged between 17 and 44, were operating the vessel without proper identification documents or authorization to fish in Malaysia. The crew consisted of a skipper and four deckhands. Upon closer inspection, authorities discovered that all members of the crew lacked valid identification papers and had no authorization to enter Malaysian waters.

Furthermore, the crew was also suspected of conducting illegal fishing activities without obtaining written permission from the Fisheries Department's director-general.

The combined value of the seized vessel, fishing gear, and catch was estimated at RM3 million. The MMEA detained the crew for violating the Immigration Act 1959/63 due to their lack of valid identification and the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing in Malaysian waters without proper authorization. This marks the fifth foreign fishing vessel detained by the Penang MMEA between January and July 2023, following ongoing enforcement efforts in Malaysian waters.

The detained vessel, crew, fishing equipment, and seized catch were transferred to the Limbongan Batu Maung Jetty for further investigation by the Penang Maritime investigation officer. The MMEA has pledged to intensify patrols and surveillance to deter illegal fishing and safeguard Malaysia's sovereignty and marine resources. The public can report any maritime criminal activities or emergencies to the Penang Maritime Operations Centre at 04-262 6146 or the MERS 999 emergency line.