LUMUT, Perak — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) of Perak State detained two local fishing vessels under Special Operation TANJUNG 2 Series 1/2026 on the evening of 19 February, after they were suspected of fishing less than one nautical mile from the nearest shoreline, thereby violating the valid licence conditions under the Fisheries Act 1985.
The Perak State Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob, stated that the detention was carried out by Maritime Malaysia’s Patrol Boat 1639 during an enforcement patrol in the waters southwest of Pulau Katak.
“The first vessel was detected operating at a distance of 0.8 nautical miles from shore with 16 crew members consisting of eight locals, six Indian nationals, and two Indonesians.
“The second vessel was detected at a distance of 0.5 nautical miles with 14 crew members — four locals and 10 Indonesian nationals,” he said.
Both vessels and their crews were escorted to the LKIM Jetty in Kampung Acheh, arriving at around 5:30 PM, and were subsequently handed over to Perak State Maritime investigating officers for further investigation.
Mohamad Shukri emphasised that Maritime Malaysia would not compromise on any violations of fishing zones or licence conditions.
“Maritime Malaysia will continue to intensify patrols and enforcement to ensure compliance with fisheries laws and to protect the nation’s marine resources, ensuring they remain sustainable and are not exploited,” he said.
Members of the public with information regarding misconduct or suspicious activities at sea may contact the emergency line at 999 or the Perak MMEA Operations Centre at 05-683 8737 for immediate action.
