MMEA detains five foreign crew, fishing vessel in Penang waters

GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency's (MMEA) detained a local fishing vessel with five foreign crew in Penang waters yesterday for alleged licensing and immigration offences.

The total value of the seizure, including the vessel, was estimated at RM3 million.

Penang maritime director, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, said the Class C vessel was detained during a patrol at a location 31.5km southwest of Pulau Kendi after it was detected at 9.55am.

Checks found that the vessel was based in Hutan Melintang, Perak.

"It was operated by a skipper and four crew members aged between 25 and 52, comprising two Thai nationals and three Myanmar nationals.

"Further checks found that the vessel failed to produce the required licence, relevant documents and fishing equipment.

"Meanwhile, the four foreign crew members were found not to have Temporary Employment Visit Passes (PLKS)," he said in a statement today.

Suffi said the vessel, skipper and all crew members were detained before being escorted to the Vessel Detention Centre Jetty at the Penang Maritime State Headquarters for further action.

"Strict action without compromise will continue to be taken against any party that disregards fisheries and immigration laws to ensure the sustainability of marine resources and the sovereignty of the country's waters.

"Maritime Malaysia will continue to intensify patrols and enforcement in national waters to ensure fishing activities are carried out according to regulations, while curbing all forms of law violations and protecting the country's maritime interests and resources," he said.

Members of the public with information on maritime crimes or emergencies at sea can contact the Penang Maritime State Headquarters Operations Centre at 04-262 6146 or 999.