27-06-2025
Two fishing boats with eight crew members detained
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025
By: Ibrahim Tabir Text Size: The vessels were apprehended 0.37 nautical miles from Madai, Kunak during separate enforcement operations around 11.30am under Operation Pluto Timur 2/2013 and Operation Tiris 3.0. KUNAK: Malaysian Maritime forces detained two anchovy purse seine fishing boats on Tuesday after they were found operating illegally close to the coastline near Pulau Tabawan waters. The vessels were apprehended 0.37 nautical miles from Madai, Kunak during separate enforcement operations around 11.30am under Operation Pluto Timur 2/2013 and Operation Tiris 3.0. Lahad Datu Maritime Zone Director Dzulfikhar Ali said the first boat was operated by four crew members - two Malaysian nationals aged 31 and 39, as well as two Filipinos aged 28 and 65. The vessel carried 5kg of fish catch. The second boat had a crew of four comprising two Malaysians aged 21 and 23, and two Filipinos aged 15 and 22, with 4kg of fish on board. All detained individuals possessed valid identification documents. The boats violated licensing conditions by operating within 1.5 nautical miles of the coastline, an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985. 'Strict action will be taken against boat operators who violate regulations. Fishing zone requirements must be complied with as they are crucial for protecting marine ecosystems,' Dzulfikhar said. All detainees have been brought to Lahad Datu Maritime Jetty for further investigation. The public are urged to report any suspicious maritime activities via Malaysian Maritime WhatsApp line 016-9305727 or emergency line 999. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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