GEORGE TOWN, February 11 — The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Penang has detained two Indonesian-flagged fishing vessels within four days during intensified patrols in state waters, leading to the arrest of 10 Indonesian crew members suspected of illegal fishing activities.
Penang Maritime Director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said the latest arrest took place at about noon yesterday when a patrol vessel intercepted a fishing boat approximately 35 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Kendi, believed to be operating illegally in Malaysian waters.
In a separate incident on Feb 6, another foreign fishing vessel was detained for similar offences, with both vessels crewed by Indonesian nationals aged between 19 and 52 who failed to produce valid identification documents.
All cases are being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1956/63, while the vessels and crew have been brought to the Penang Maritime Jetty for further action. MMEA Penang said patrols and enforcement will continue to be intensified to curb illegal activities at sea.
