LUMUT – The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Perak has detained a local fishing vessel suspected of breaching licence conditions during a patrol operation northwest of Pulau Nipis.
The enforcement action took place at approximately 9.00am on 7 July, when officers intercepted the vessel about 8.7 nautical miles from the island.
Perak State Maritime Director, Maritime Captain Mohamad Shukri bin Khotob, confirmed that the vessel was operated by a Thai skipper with 21 Cambodian crew members aged between 21 and 54. None of the crew possessed valid work permits, raising concerns over immigration violations.
Authorities reported that the vessel was engaged in fishing activities outside its authorised zone, contravening the Fisheries Act 1985. The Immigration Act 1959/63 was also breached as the crew lacked proper documentation.
The enforcement team seized the vessel, fishing gear, and an estimated 50 kilograms of catch before escorting them to the jetty for further investigation.
This arrest is part of ongoing operations by Maritime Malaysia to curb illegal fishing and ensure compliance with national maritime laws.
Captain Shukri emphasised that patrols will continue to be intensified to safeguard Malaysia’s waters from unlawful activities.
Recent months have seen similar enforcement actions in Perak waters. In May, the MMEA detained two trawlers near Pulau Pangkor, seizing catches worth nearly RM5 million.
Those cases involved both local and foreign crew members, with offences ranging from operating in restricted zones to employing undocumented workers.
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a pressing issue in Malaysia. The Department of Fisheries has highlighted that such practices not only deplete marine resources but also undermine the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.
Updated marine laws introduced in 2026 have strengthened enforcement powers, expanded protected areas, and increased penalties for offenders.
The MMEA has urged the public to report suspicious maritime activities to the authorities. The Perak Maritime Operations Centre can be contacted directly at 05-6838737, while emergencies should be reported via the national line 999.
Malaysia’s maritime enforcement continues to play a crucial role in protecting fisheries, maintaining ecological balance, and ensuring that vessels operating in national waters comply with the law.
