Screenshot of the local fishing boat detained for encroaching the restricted fishing zone.
MIRI: A local fishing vessel with four Indonesians crew here was detained on Wednesday morning for encroaching into restricted fishing zone not allowed under its licence.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Commander Salehuddin Zakaria said the detention was made following public tip off.
“When MMEA conducted the enforcement, the fishing vessel tried to evade being spotted.
“However, after being pursued, we managed to detain the vessel at 4.3 nautical miles from Tanjung Baram at 11.35am yesterday (Aug 14).
Fishing boats are only allowed to operate within less than seven nautical miles but may frequently defy the restrictions in their licences to reap higher profits, according to a statement received yesterday.
The four Indonesians fishermen, aged 24 – 42 with valid travel documents on board the detained fishing vessel are believed to have been employed by the boat’s local proprietor.
All the crew were detained while the boat valued at RM200,000 as well fish food weighing 200 kilogrammes were confiscated under the Fisheries Act 1985.
Salehuddin assured that MMEA will continue to intensify enforcement and called for public information to help curb illegal fishing.
Those with information can call MMEA Miri at 085-418204.