Penang maritime authorities detain a Thai-operated fishing boat and a UK-flagged sailing vessel for breaching licence conditions and anchoring without permission.
PENANG: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Penang branch has detained two vessels this week for separate violations of national maritime laws.
Penang Maritime director Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli said a Class C local fishing vessel operated by Thai nationals was seized on January 4.
The vessel was detained for fishing within 15 nautical miles, which breached its licence conditions.
“The men, aged 41 to 58, were handed to maritime investigators for further action,” he said in a statement.
The case is being investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
This follows after one crew member failed to provide valid identification.
In a separate case, a UK-flagged sailing vessel was detained for anchoring without permission.
The vessel was operated by two British nationals aged 48 and 67.
The offence falls under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
Muhammad Suffi said Penang MMEA will continue to intensify patrols and enforcement.
This ongoing effort aims to protect maritime security and preserve the country’s marine resources.
