KLANG – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) in Selangor has detained a Class A local fishing vessel after an inspection found alleged breaches of its fishing licence conditions and issues involving a foreign crew member.
The vessel was detained at about 2.55am on 8 August 2026 at a location approximately 0.5 nautical miles south of Kuala Selangor.
The operation was carried out by a Malaysian Maritime patrol boat conducting enforcement activities under Op EHSAN, Op TIRIS and Op KHAS TANJUNG.
The vessel was intercepted while it was engaged in fishing activities in the waters off Selangor.
Selangor State Maritime Director Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh said an initial inspection found that the vessel was being operated by a 42-year-old local skipper.
The inspection also identified a 30-year-old Indonesian national as a crew member on board the vessel. Further checks reportedly found that the foreign crew member was unable to produce valid identification documents.
The crew member also failed to provide a valid work permit or a letter of authorisation issued by the Director General of Fisheries Malaysia.
Authorities subsequently carried out a more detailed inspection of the vessel and its fishing activities. The inspection found that the vessel was allegedly using a trawl while conducting fishing operations.
According to Maritime Malaysia, the use of the fishing equipment constituted a violation of the conditions attached to the vessel’s fishing licence.
The alleged offence is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985.
The investigation covers the alleged breach of the licence conditions involving the use of a trawl for fishing activities.
Authorities are also investigating the employment of the foreign crew member without the required permission from the Director General of Fisheries Malaysia.
The foreign crew member’s failure to produce valid identification documents has resulted in a separate investigation under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Following the detention, the fishing vessel, its local captain and the foreign crew member were escorted to the Marine Police Jetty at Pulau Indah.
They were subsequently handed over to the Selangor State Maritime Investigation Officer for further action.
The case remains under investigation, with the relevant authorities examining the alleged offences under the applicable legislation.
The detention forms part of ongoing enforcement efforts by Maritime Malaysia to monitor activities in Malaysian waters and ensure that fishing vessels comply with the conditions imposed on their licences.
Fishing licence requirements are intended to regulate fishing activities and support the proper management of the country’s marine resources.
Enforcement operations also allow authorities to identify potential breaches involving fishing methods, vessel operations and the employment of foreign crew members.
Maritime Malaysia said it would continue strengthening monitoring and enforcement activities in Malaysian waters, with particular attention given to the waters off Selangor.
The agency said these efforts are aimed at maintaining safety and security at sea while supporting the sustainable management of Malaysia’s marine resources.
Regular patrol operations also form part of wider enforcement measures to identify activities that may contravene fisheries, immigration or other relevant laws.
The latest detention involved several enforcement operations being conducted in the area, including Op EHSAN, Op TIRIS and Op KHAS TANJUNG.
Maritime Malaysia’s enforcement activities cover a range of maritime concerns, including compliance with regulations governing activities carried out by vessels operating in Malaysian waters.
The agency said continued monitoring is necessary to ensure that maritime activities are conducted in accordance with the law.
Members of the public who have information about incidents, suspected criminal activities or emergencies at sea are encouraged to report them to the relevant authorities.
Reports and information can be channelled to the emergency number 999, the Selangor State Maritime Operations Centre or the Malaysia Maritime Operations Centre for appropriate action and response.
The Selangor State Maritime Operations Centre can be contacted at 013-6606652, while the Malaysia Maritime Operations Centre can be reached at 03-8995 7820.
Maritime Malaysia said public co-operation remains important in helping enforcement agencies respond to incidents and maintain security in Malaysian waters.
The investigation into the detained vessel and its crew will proceed in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries Act 1985 and Immigration Act 1959/63.
