The tugboat that was detained by MMEA about two nautical miles from the coast of Tanjung Dalit.
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) arrested seven fishermen for fishing less than 12 nautical miles from the coast of Tanjung Dalit here on Tuesday.
Kota Kinabalu Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director First Admiral Adam Aziz said MMEA vessel, KM Banggi, spotted the tugboat around 1pm about two nautical miles from the coast of Tanjung Dalit on Jun 13.
“Seven people, including the skipper, were detained for offence under the Fisheries Act 1985 which states that fishing activity must be carried out 12 nautical miles from the coast,” he said.
The suspects, aged 20 and 56, together with some 2,000 kilograms of their catch were taken to the MMEA jetty in Sepanggar for further investigation, said Adam.
Adam added that MMEA was taking the matter seriously as fishing activities along the coast can damage coral reefs, fish habitats and aquatic animals.