Penang: The Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) arrested three local individuals suspected of trespassing in the prohibited area at the Penang Bridge structure, here yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang State Maritime director Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli stated that the arrests were made when members of the Malaysian Maritime Patrol Boat were patrolling around Penang waters at 1.30 pm. An inspection at the foot of the Penang Bridge piers revealed the presence of two men and a woman in an area designated as prohibited.

The individuals are suspected of committing an offence under Section 447 of the Penal Code for trespassing into a restricted area. They were detained and subsequently escorted to the Batu Uban Marine Police Force Jetty. There, they were handed over to the Investigating Officer of the Penang State Maritime Headquarters for further action.

Muhammad Suffi highlighted that the areas under the Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge are officially declared as prohibited sites. These zones cover a buffer area of 250 metres on both the left and right sides of the bridge. The enforcement action aims to ensure compliance with the law and to raise awareness among the maritime community and the public on the importance of adhering to gazetted restricted areas.