Kota Kinabalu: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency of Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan (Malaysia Maritime) detained a fishing boat suspected of carrying out illegal fishing using underwater lights during an enforcement patrol in the waters east of Tanjung Melanim recently.
The vessel was detained 0.5 nautical miles east of Tanjung Melanim conducting activities that violated the law and had the potential to damage the marine ecosystem.
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Sabah State and FT Labuan Maritime Director, Maritime First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abd Majid @ Razali, said that the use of underwater lights is a prohibited fishing method, as it can attract marine life uncontrollably, thereby disrupting the balance of the marine ecosystem.
“Inspections conducted found the identification documents of the vessel’s crew to be suspicious, in addition to the failure to produce valid documentation for a change of skipper,” he said on Tuesday.
The inspection also revealed that two Filipino crew members, aged 54 and 19 respectively, were on board the vessel.
“All crew members, together with the vessel, were detained to assist in further investigations.
Khairulanuar said that Maritime Malaysia will not compromise on any fishing activities involving the use of underwater lights, as such practices have adverse effects on national fishery resources and undermine conservation efforts implemented by the government.
“If allowed to continue, these activities not only harm law-abiding fishermen but also threaten the sustainability of marine resources and the livelihoods of future generations,” he said.
He added that all fishermen and vessel crews are required to comply with national fisheries laws and practise sustainable fishing methods.
“Firm action, including vessel detention and the imposition of compounds, will be taken against any party found guilty of this offence,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Maritime Malaysia urges the public and maritime community to channel information related to any suspicious activities at sea to the authorities for immediate action.
Any information can be reported to the Sabah and FT Labuan Maritime Operations Centre at 088-387774 or via the emergency hotline 999 for prompt action.
