Three fishing boats worth RM4.5mil seized for encroaching into Penang fishing zone
GEORGE TOWN: Three fishing boats worth an estimated RM4.5 million were seized for encroaching into the fishing zone off Penang.
Three fishing vessels, valued at roughly RM4.5 million, were confiscated for unlawfully operating within the designated Penang fishing area. The vessels were apprehended by officials from the Batu Maung Fisheries Conservation and Protection hub during a series of operations codenamed Ops Periksa on Thursday. Authorities discovered the boats were in the midst of fishing activities when they arrived at the scene.
Upon inspection, it was revealed that the boats had violated provisions outlined in Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985, including operating beyond the designated fishing territory. Additionally, it was discovered that the boats were utilizing meshes with a diameter smaller than 38mm and employing foreign laborers without the requisite authorization from the Fisheries director-general.
The department reiterated its commitment to preserving the nation's fisheries resources for long-term sustainability while ensuring compliance from fishermen operating within national waters, especially in Penang. The department emphasized zero tolerance towards any misconduct associated with maritime fishing activities on its official Facebook page.
The estimated worth of the seized boats amounted to RM4.5 million. The department appealed to the public to report any instances of fishing-related violations to FISHCOM at 03-8870 5019, which operates around the clock.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
