Penang: The Penang branch of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a Class C local fishing vessel (VNT) for allegedly violating valid licence conditions while situated 2.7 nautical miles south of Pulau Kendi last night.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Captain Maritime Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, the director of the Penang MMEA, stated that the vessel was apprehended by an MMEA boat during routine patrols. Following the detention, an inspection was conducted on the fishing vessel.

The inspection revealed that the vessel was manned by five Myanmar crew members, including the skipper, aged between 22 and 38 years. Notably, one of the crew members failed to provide valid identification documents. The incident is under investigation for violations under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985, which pertains to employing foreign crew without the necessary permission from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia director-general. Additionally, it is being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 Section 15(1) for the absence of a valid work permit on the vessel.

All crew members and the vessel, estimated to be worth RM3 million, have been handed over to the Penang MMEA investigating officer for further investigation.