The two foreigners who were caught with expired work permits.
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a local fishing boat for ferrying six foreigners, including two who hold expired work permits.
MMEA enforcement chief Captain Zin Azman Md Yunus said the incident happened when an MMEA personnel spotted the suspicious fishing boat in Papar waters on Thursday around 9pm.
“During a normal patrol operation, our personnel spotted the fishing boat and upon inspection, found six foreigners on board.
“Two of the foreigners were also found holding expired work permits.
“The skipper of the fishing boat and his crew have been detained for further investigation while the six foreigners, aged 20 to 40, will be referred to the Immigration Department for further action,” he said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Zin Azman said the agency would continue to monitor Sabah waters from any unwanted intrusions or threats and would remain committed to enforcing the laws of the country.