MERSING: A local fishing vessel has been detained during an operation by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for violating the conditions of the boat licence.
MMEA Mersing Zone Maritime Commander Suhaizan Saadin said the vessel was detained at 1.29km east of Pulau Mertang at 2pm on Wednesday (May 15).
“Upon inspection, we found that the owner has violated the conditions of the licence," he said in a statement.
Suhaizan said the offences were for illegal extensions by building an additional room onboard and modifying the oil storage tank.
He said the agency also detained the captain of the boat, a 46-year-old Laos national.
“The captain and the boat were brought to the Mersing Jetty before they were handed over to the MMEA investigation officers for further action,’’ he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 8 (b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for using unauthorised crew and the Immigration Act 1959/63 for living and staying in the country without a valid pass.
Suhaizan urged those with information on maritime-related criminal activities or accidents within Johor waters to contact the emergency line at MERS999 or Johor Maritime Operation Centre at 07-2199404.
