KUANTAN – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a fishing vessel carrying seven Vietnamese crew members over suspected illegal fishing activities in waters off Pekan, Pahang.
The Class C local fishing vessel was intercepted at about 11.30 pm on 18 October during a maritime patrol conducted under Op MAKMUR and Op TIRIS. The vessel was reportedly operating about 8.4 nautical miles east of Merchung, within the 12-nautical-mile limit from the coast.
Pahang Maritime director Maritime First Admiral Dato’ Haji Mazlan bin Mat Rejab said the vessel was stopped by an MMEA patrol boat while officers were conducting enforcement operations in the area. The inspection subsequently identified potential offences relating to fishing activities within restricted coastal waters.
According to the agency, the vessel was manned by seven Vietnamese nationals, including its skipper, aged between 25 and 51. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s presence and activities in the area.
Preliminary checks indicated that the vessel was suspected of breaching provisions of the Fisheries Act 1985. The suspected fishing location, approximately 8.4 nautical miles east of Merchung, falls within the 12-nautical-mile coastal zone specified in the enforcement report.
The agency has not announced the outcome of the investigation or confirmed whether formal charges will be brought against the crew. The case remains subject to further examination by the relevant authorities.
In a separate aspect of the investigation, maritime officers reportedly found that the crew members were carrying identification documents considered questionable during the inspection. The matter is being examined for possible violations of the Immigration Act 1959/63, with further checks required to establish the validity of the documents and the crew members’ immigration status.
Following the interception, the vessel and all seven crew members were escorted to the Teluk Gading Maritime Base jetty. The fishing vessel was brought ashore for further inspection and subsequent action by the MMEA investigation officer.
The case involves two areas of enforcement: compliance with fisheries regulations and the verification of the crew members’ identification and immigration documentation. Any further action will depend on the findings of the respective investigations and the applicable legal provisions.
The Fisheries Act 1985 provides the legislative framework for regulating fishing activities in Malaysia, including compliance with relevant licensing requirements and restrictions. Enforcement against suspected violations is intended to help ensure that fishing operations take place within the conditions permitted by law.
Maritime authorities conduct patrols to monitor activities in Malaysian waters, identify suspected breaches and respond to potential threats to maritime security. Such operations also support efforts to protect local fishing grounds and ensure that fishing vessels comply with the conditions attached to their licences.
The MMEA said it would continue strengthening patrols and enforcement operations to address illegal fishing, unauthorised entry into fishing grounds and failures to comply with licence conditions. The agency also highlighted the importance of public cooperation in identifying suspicious activities at sea.
Members of the public with information about potentially unlawful maritime activities can contact the Pahang State Maritime Operations Centre at 09-571 7345 or call the national emergency number 999. Information provided by the public can assist authorities in identifying suspected offences and directing enforcement resources towards areas of concern.
The investigation into the detained vessel and its crew is ongoing, with officers expected to undertake the necessary checks before determining any further action under the relevant fisheries and immigration laws. — Sarawak Daily
