KOTA KINABALU (ANN/THE STAR) – Five men were apprehended for illegal fishing activities using explosives near Mengalum Island, northwest of the Sabah capital.
The suspects, believed to be of Filipino nationality, were intercepted by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) around 11.50am on Thursday, July 4.
Sabah and Labuan MMEA director, First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik, confirmed that the men lacked valid personal identification documents.
“They were discovered with marine life suspected to have been caught using explosives,” he stated in a press release on Saturday, July 6.
The boat’s skipper was unable to present a valid boat registration license, leading to the seizure of their pump boat. “We are also investigating the case under the Fisheries Act 1985 and Immigration Act,” Che Engku added.
Che Engku emphasised the severe consequences of using explosives for fishing, advising the maritime community to adhere to legal and sustainable fishing practices.
“The use of explosives or any other illegal means to catch fish not only destroys marine ecosystems but also poses significant safety risks,” he warned.
