Kuala kurau: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two trawl boats and seized assets and marine catch worth RM80,000 about 5.2 nautical miles west of the Kuala Kurau estuary last Friday. Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Mohd Hairil Othman, said the vessels were intercepted at 2 am for operating outside permitted hours, using excessive net weights and not being personally manned by their registered owners.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the seizures were taken to the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone jetty and handed to investigating officers for further action. “MMEA will not compromise on any breach of maritime laws and will intensify monitoring and enforcement to keep national waters free of illegal activities,” he said in a statement today.

Vessel owners found guilty may face a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. The public with information on suspicious activities or maritime emergencies may contact the Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 05-7279919 or the emergency hotline 999.