Penang:Three boats were detained for suspected encroachment into a fishing zone off Penang during Ops Periksa, conducted by the Batu Maung Fisheries Conservation and Protection Base last Thursday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the boats were discovered fishing outside the permitted area by a patrol team that arrived early in the morning. Penang Fisheries Department director Azimah Jumatli confirmed that the boats had committed offences under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985.

The offences included fishing outside the permitted area, using nets with mesh sizes smaller than 38 millimetres, and employing foreign workers on local fishing vessels without approval from the Fisheries Department. The total value of the seizures from the three boats was estimated at RM4.5 million.

Azimah stated that the department remains committed to protecting fisheries resources to ensure sustainability and compliance with regulations by fishermen, especially those operating off Penang. She emphasized that there would be no compromise on any misconduct related to fishing activities at sea.