Mersing: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a local fishing vessel and five crew members after it was found operating outside the designated fishing zone, 4.5 nautical miles southeast of Pulau Tinggi, Mersing, yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mersing Maritime Zone director Commander Maritime Suhaizan Saadin said the agency launched a patrol after receiving a public tip-off about a suspicious vessel spotted in the restricted area. Investigations revealed that the vessel had not only violated the designated fishing zone regulation, which prohibits fishing activities within five nautical miles from shore, but it was also operating outside the permitted hours.

Further investigation found that the vessel was operated by someone other than the registered owner, which is a violation under the Fisheries Act 1983. The five local fishermen, aged between 34 and 50, were detained to assist in the investigation. The authorities have seized the vessel and towed it to the Teluk Gading maritime post for further action.

Commander Suhaizan urged the fishing community to comply with regulations and report any suspicious activities via the emergency hotline 999 or the Mersing Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 07-2199404.