PORT KLANG – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) detained an unregistered fibre boat carrying three illegal immigrants suspected of engaging in illegal fishing activities in the waters of Pulau Ketam on 14 July.
Selangor State Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Abdul Muhaimin Muhammad Salleh, reported that the boat was intercepted at approximately 12.30 pm during routine patrols under Op EHSAN, Op TIRIS 4.0, and Op Khas Tanjung Siri 2, about 0.8 nautical miles north of Pulau Klang.
The fibre boat, which bore no registration number, was found in suspicious circumstances before being stopped by enforcement officers. Inspections revealed that the vessel was operated by a 26-year-old Indonesian captain, accompanied by two crew members – one Indonesian and one Myanmar national – aged between 26 and 32. None of the individuals were able to produce valid identification documents.
Further investigation determined that the boat was en route to a fish farm in Pulau Ketam. The captain also failed to provide documentation related to the vessel, leading to suspicions of violations under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952.
All suspects and the boat were escorted to the Pulau Indah Marine Police Force (PPM) Jetty before being handed over to Maritime Malaysia’s Investigation Officer for further action. The case is being investigated under the MSO 1952 for operating an unregistered boat and the Immigration Act 1959/63 for failing to produce valid identification documents.
Captain Abdul Muhaimin stressed that Maritime Malaysia will not compromise on violations of maritime laws, particularly illegal fishing and the entry of undocumented foreigners, which pose threats to national security and the sustainability of fishing resources.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities or maritime emergencies via the 999 emergency line or by contacting the Selangor State Maritime Operations Centre at 013-6606652 for immediate action.
