LUMUT, Perak — The Perak State Maritime Agency (APMM) has detained a local fishing vessel suspected of committing multiple offenses under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63 during a special operation conducted in Perak waters on March 18.
Perak State Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri Khotob, said the arrest was carried out by Malaysian Maritime assets at 11:50 a.m., approximately 10 nautical miles southwest of Sungai Belukang.
He explained that inspection found the fishing vessel was operated by a skipper along with three crew members who are Myanmar nationals.
“Initial inspection revealed that the vessel is suspected of violating valid license conditions by fishing less than 15 nautical miles from the nearest shoreline, as well as employing foreign crew without permission from the Director-General of Fisheries.
“In addition, all crew members failed to produce valid identification documents during inspection,” he added.
He further stated that the vessel and its crew were escorted to the Marine Police Force (PPM) Jetty in Kampung Acheh to be handed over to Perak State Maritime investigating officers for further action.
“Perak State Maritime will continue to intensify patrols and enforcement through special operations to ensure that the state’s waters remain protected from any illegal activities, including intrusion, violation of license conditions, and the use of foreign crew without permission,” he said. (APMM)
