MMEA to expose poaching activity in Malaysian waters to international community
KOTA TINGGI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) plans to expose the poaching activity of Vietnamese fishermen in Malaysian waters to the international community, said its director-general Admiral Maritime Datuk Zulkifli Abu Bakar.
"It is hoped that the countries will take their own action to stop or prevent their fishermen from encroaching into other countries' waters," he told reporters at a breaking-of-fast organised by the MMEA on KM Pekan vessel in waters off Tanjung Sedili here today.
He said the move was in line with the provided law to curb illegal fishing among foreign fishermen.
"There are a lot of complaints from local fishermen on the encroachment. We will take a more serious approach and at the same time increase the patrol during the festive seasons," he said.
Zulkifli said the MMEA had seized three Vietnamese fishing boats in Johor waters, yesterday, for alleged poaching.
"Two of the boats were stopped by KM Pekan vessel at 17 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Aur, Mersing while the other boat was stopped by KM Tegas at 24 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Sedili (Kota Tinggi)," he said.
A total of 31 crewmen, aged between 18 and 41, were arrested and 1,400kg of fish were seized, he added.
Asked on MMEA's preparation in fighting other crimes during Aidilfitri, Zulkifli said the agency was intensifying its enforcement and patrol efforts in Malaysian waters.
He said this was due to the probable increase in smuggling cases and the movement of Indonesian illegal immigrants who wanted to return to their homeland during the festive season.
"During Ramadan, we believe that the foreigners will use various means to exit the country including using foreign fishing boats and barter boats.
"The syndicate is believed to be based in Hutan Melintang, Perak and managed by agents who reaped profits by arranging the return journey of Indonesians to their homeland," he said.
Zulkifli said that based on intelligence information, most Indonesians who sought the services of the agents, were working across the country, including Kelantan, Selangor, Perlis and Negri Sembilan. — Bernama