Pulau pangkor: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a local fishing vessel in the waters of Pulau Pangkor yesterday after discovering its licence had expired.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perak MMEA director Capt (M) Mohamad Shukri Khotob stated that the vessel was detained at about 4.38 pm, eight nautical miles west of Pulau Pangkor, during a routine patrol for operating without a licence.

The inspection revealed that the vessel was crewed by four Thai nationals and 18 Cambodians, all of whom possessed valid identification documents. The vessel and its crew, along with the fishing gear and catch, were detained and taken to the Kampung Acheh marine police jetty. They were handed over to the investigating officer for investigations under the Fisheries Act 1985.

Capt Mohamad Shukri Khotob emphasized that the MMEA would not tolerate any violation of maritime law, particularly operating vessels without valid licences.