The three fishing boats at the MMEA complex in Muara Tebas.
KUCHING: Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has arrested three fishing boats about 27 nautical miles north of Tanjung Po around 10am last Friday.
Its Sarawak region director First Admiral (Maritime) Robert Teh Geok Chuan said the three registered local fishing boats were only licensed to fish 30 nautical miles off the coast.
“They were spotted, boarded and subsequently checked by our personnel during a patrol in the area,” said Teh in a statement received yesterday.
He also said all three captains and 20 crew members were Thai nationals aged between 28 and 56-years-old.
All were brought to the MMEA complex in Muara Tebas for further investigation under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985.
Teh said they would not compromise with any individuals or parties who go against Malaysia’s maritime laws.
“We will continue to patrol and strengthen security in our nation’s waters,” he added.
MMEA is also urging the public to come forward with any information regarding crime or suspicious activities by calling them at 082-432544.