Kuala Lumpur: The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) has emphasised that it has never invited or involved any individuals, including the 12 Bangladeshi nationals recently detained, to undergo training at the Malaysian Fisheries Academy. Its director-general, Datuk Adnan Hussain, stated that the individuals wearing DOF uniforms did so with the intention of misleading enforcement authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this act not only tarnishes the department’s image but could also undermine the integrity and credibility of government institutions, as noted by Adnan in a statement. He urged the public to be cautious of parties misusing the department’s name or identity for personal gain. Any suspicious information should be reported directly to enforcement authorities.

Adnan assured that the DOF will continue to work closely with enforcement agencies to ensure proactive measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. He also extended his congratulations and appreciation to the Immigration Department (JIM) for their successful operation in detaining the individuals involved. This swift and decisive action reflects the high commitment of enforcement agencies in safeguarding the country’s safety and sovereignty.

It was reported that JIM uncovered a tactic by a group of Bangladeshi nationals posing as trainees of the Malaysian Fisheries Academy. A total of 12 men, seen wearing uniforms, were detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last Friday. All the individuals claimed their purpose in coming to the country was for a study tour as trainees at the Malaysian Fisheries Academy and presented an invitation letter from a company based in Kuching, Sarawak. However, further checks revealed that the invitation letter carried by the group was confirmed to be faked.