The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Tawau detained a local fishing boat for illegally operating within 1.5 nautical miles of the shoreline on Tuesday (Feb 6) at 2:15 PM .

Maritime Zone Director Captain Shahrizan Raman said the vessel was intercepted by MMEA patrol boats conducting OP Pluto Timur and OP Tiris.

“We detected the fishing boat trawling too close to the shore, which is a clear violation of licensing conditions,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Checks revealed that three Indonesian men, aged between 30 and 45, were on board, violating the Fisheries Act 1985 by operating in restricted waters .

“The use of trawl nets in these areas not only threatens marine biodiversity but also damages the fishing equipment of small-scale fishers,” Shahrizan added.

The suspects, along with their vessel and marine catch worth over RM76,000, were seized and escorted to the Tawau Maritime Zone jetty .

He said the MMEA has been receiving complaints from local fishermen about trawlers encroaching into coastal fishing zones.

“This practice directly affects the livelihood of traditional fishermen who rely on these waters for their daily catch,” he said.

Authorities have intensified patrols in response, vowing to take action against any vessel found flouting maritime laws.

“We will continue to enforce strict measures to protect the fishing industry and prevent further damage to the ecosystem,” Shahrizan said.

MMEA urged the public to report any suspicious maritime activities to the Tawau Maritime Operations Centre at 089-750116 or via 999. – Feb 7, 2025.