One of the seized boats.
MIRI: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized two fishing boats and arrested two Suluk from the Philippines and a local off Batu Satu beach on Saturday afternoon.
One of the boats was intercepted by MMEA at 1pm and upon checking found the duo without proper documents while one was a local.
“Two boats were seized and three were arrested by MMEA on Saturday and another one case on Wednesday,” said Assistant Minister for Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin who was accompanied by MMEA Commanding Officer Syed Nor’ Adli Syed Abdul Rahman at Marina Bay here yesterday.
Lee (left) being briefed by Syed Nor’ Adli on the seizure.
According to Lee, the success was due to the swift action by the enforcement agencies (MMEA and Marine Fisheries Department).
In giving the agencies the thumbs-up, he warned that further action would be taken against illegal fishermen to stop the encroachment.
“Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem had contacted me yesterday morning and informed me to work out immediately with the Immigration Department on the action to be taken.
“The chief minister wants action and results.” Lee said, while advising the relevant parties to beef up their operations against illegal immigrants here. Lee, who is also Senadin assemblyman, said after the taskforce was set up on Thursday, strategic plans were worked out by relevant parties including MMEA, Marine Fisheries Department, Immigration, Police, Resident’s Office and the local fishermen.
At the same time, Lee advised local fishermen not to collaborate with the illegal fishermen warning that the authority will monitor their movement.
Lee also disclosed that MMEA would reinforce its assets here to comb the water from Kuala Baram to Niah and Suai, saying he had already spoken to the MMEA state chief as well as Deputy Home Minister Dato Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on the request for backup.
Meanwhile, a check by The Borneo Post at Lutong Maritime Academy beach revealed that local fishermen welcomed the move by the authorities to swoop on the illegal fishermen. One of them, Ramli Juru, said he was relieved by the seriousness of the authorities.
“I think some boats are still hidden near Lutong river off Kampung Api-Api,” he added.