The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) through the Langkawi Fisheries Conservation and Protection Base has implemented Cross-OPS in the Kedah and Penang State Waters.
As a result of the Ops, DOF has successfully detained and confiscated 10 tow trawler vessels that encroached on the Fishing Prohibition Zone for commercial vessels namely in the waters of Pulau Payar Marine Park and Mukahead Waters up to the waters of Gertak Sanggul, Penang.
The vessels have been found operating fishing in the Marine Park Area, operating less than 15 nautical miles from the nearest mainland, barricades against authorized officials and protecting registration numbers from being seen by authorities.
YBrs. Tuan Haji Wan Muhammad Aznan bin Abdullah Deputy Director General of Fisheries (Management) said “This seizure was carried out after finding that the vessels had committed an offence under the Fisheries Act 1985 laltu Paragraph 8(b), Paragraph 43(1)(a), Section 53 and Sub-regulation 10(3) of the Fisheries (Sea) (Licensing of Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1985.”
The revenue for all the vessels including fishing equipment was RM3.0 million. Meanwhile, 3,000 kg of fish were seized and auctioned with a value of RM 10,000.
A total of 26 OKTs comprised of 4 Malaysian Citizens, 28 Citizens. Thailand, 1 Cambodian citizen and 1 Laotian citizen aged from 23 years to 65 years old have been found to be involved in this offence.
If you have any complaints and information regarding offences under the Fisheries Act 1985, please contact the Fisheries Communication Centre (FISHCOM) at 24 Hours Hotline 03-8888 5019 or 03 8870 4058 to report the incident.
