IPOH: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has seized 31 sets of “bubu naga” fish traps at about 1.1 nautical miles east of Pulau Talang, near Pantai Remis in Manjung.
Perak MMEA director Mohd Hambali Ya'akup said the traps were found by its patrol team during an operation in Perak waters on Sunday (Oct 22) at about 5pm.
"We found some suspicious white-coloured buoys that were tied to some wooden stakes in the waters.
"We discovered that the buoys were markers for the location of the traps that had been set by irresponsible individuals or groups," he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 23).
"The traps were brought back to the Kampung Acheh jetty and handed over to the investigating team," he added.
Mohd Hambali said the traps were banned as they could ensnare juvenile fish and prawns, which could then affect marine biodiversity and cause marine products to dwindle.
"The owner of the traps can be charged under Section 11(3)(c) of the Fisheries Act for catching fish through banned methods.
"We will continue to do monitoring and intelligence work from time to time to deter the usage of these traps," he said.
"The people, especially the maritime community are urged to be our eyes and ears, and to share information with us if they notice any acts of breaching the law while at sea.
"Any reports, complaints and emergency calls can be made on the 999 emergency response line or state maritime operations centre at 05-683 8737," he added.
