Caught for crime at sea: Two of the suspects, believed to be undocumented Palau men, who were held in waters off Lahad Datu.
KOTA KINABALU: Marine officials have nabbed four suspected fish bombers in waters off Lahad Datu district.
Also seized were two boat engines and two bottles believed to contain explosive materials, said Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Lahad Datu zone commander, Dr Suzanna Razali.
She said the suspects were in two pump boats and believed to be carrying out illegal fish bombing activity near Kun Kun Island in the 6pm incident on Sunday.
“We received complaints about the incident at around 6.16pm and 6.31pm the same day,” she said in a statement, adding that a team was sent to investigate.
Upon investigation, it was found that the boats were involved in illegal fishing activities including using detonators and poison, among other things, said Suzanna.
“The four suspects are believed to be undocumented Palau men aged between 20 and 40,” she said, adding they did not possess any fishing licence and the boats were unregistered.
All confiscated items, worth around RM5,000, were taken back to the maritime base for further investigations, she said.
Suzanna urged the Lahad Datu maritime community to abide by regulations and to work together with the authorities to prevent crime at sea.
She said those with information of suspicious activities being carried out can inform maritime officials at 089-885727 (Lahad Datu operations centre) or MERS999.
