TANJUNG MANIS: The Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a local fishing vessel and arrested four crew members on suspicion of violating the legal conditions of their license last Saturday (Nov 6).
Tanjung Manis Zone director Maritime Commander Gilbert Tinggak Numpang said the suspicious vessel carrying out fishing activities in Belawai waters, was detained by KM Semilang about 9.5 nautical miles northeast of Tanjung Pasir Mas, Kuala Paloh around 2pm.
Inspections found four local crew members aged between 20 and 49, operating the vessel and detained them.
“The crew stood suspected of having committed an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985 for violating the license conditions namely, fishing in unauthorised areas.
“As a result, the crew along with the vessel, fishing equipment and about two metric tonnes of fish catch, were escorted to the Tanjung Manis public jetty for further investigation,” he said.
Gilbert pointed out that the case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 for violating the vessel’s license conditions.
Should the public have any complaints and information regarding any suspicious activities at sea, they can contact MMEA Tanjung Manis Zone Operations Centre at 084-613292 or MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544 or MERS 999.
Four local crew members were arrested after they were believed to be in violation of their fishing vessel’s license condition by fishing in unauthorised area at Belawai waters on Saturday (Nov 6). 
Catches of mixed fish weighing approximately two metric tonnes were seized from the local fishing vessel on Saturday (Nov 6).
