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TAWAU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a fishing boat operating with an expired licence during a routine patrol on Sunday.

Lahad Datu Maritime director Dzulfikhar Ali said the boat was intercepted about 0.6 nautical miles southeast of Pulau Katung at around 4.15pm.

He said checks found the vessel was crewed by two Filipino men, aged 44 and 49, who both carried valid identification documents.

However, inspections revealed the boat’s fishing licence had expired, constituting an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985, he said.

Dzulfikhar said the boat and crew were taken to the Lahad Datu Maritime jetty for investigation, adding that operators must comply with licensing rules and the public can report suspicious activity via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or the emergency line 999.