MMEA detains Thai crew, fishing vessel over licence violation

George Town, Malaysia - The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) apprehended a Class C fishing vessel yesterday, allegedly for breaching the provisions of its fishing license. Penang MMEA director, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, disclosed that the vessel was intercepted around midnight, following an anonymous complaint that the ship was fishing within 12 nautical miles of the coastline.

Upon receiving the information, a patrol boat on routine duty was dispatched to the area and managed to apprehend the vessel near the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority jetty in Batu Maung, according to Suffi. Class C fishing vessels are typically local commercial boats utilized for mid-shore or deep-sea fishing operations under Malaysian fisheries regulations.

The vessel was found to be manned by four crew members, all from Thailand, ranging in age from 51 to 58. Suffi stated that the vessel was suspected of contravening the Fisheries Act 1985 by violating its valid license conditions and fishing in a restricted zone. All four crew members, the vessel, and an estimated RM3 million worth of seized items were brought to the Batu Maung jetty before being transferred to the Penang MMEA investigation officer for further proceedings, he added.

The MMEA emphasized its strict stance on any violation of laws and licensing conditions, especially those pertaining to fishing activities within Malaysian waters.