Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has taken action against a local fishing vessel and three of its foreign crew members who were unable to present valid identification documents during a routine check.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Terengganu MMEA Director Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang reported that the detention occurred during an enforcement operation. The operation took place around 12:30 pm, approximately 18.2 nautical miles northeast of the Kuala Terengganu estuary.

During the inspection, officials discovered that out of the five crew members aboard, three were Myanmar nationals who failed to provide the necessary identification documents mandated by law. The remaining crew included two locals, one of whom was the 52-year-old skipper.

The MMEA released the two local crew members after recording their statements. Meanwhile, the three Myanmar nationals, aged between 41 and 42, remain in custody for further investigation. They are being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.