MERSING: A fishing boat was detained 1.3 nautical miles southwest of Pulau Besar here yesterday and its crewmen were arrested for hiring an immigrant.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Maritime Zone director Commander Suhaizan Saadin said the men, aged between 25 and 41 and consisting of the boat's skipper, a local crewman and an undocumented Myanmar-national, were arrested for the offences under Fisheries Act 1985.
The skipper had violated the conditions of a valid licence by employing the foreign crew member without approval from the Fisheries Department director-general.
The foreigner is also being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for failing to produce valid documentation.
The boat and its 200kg catch of the day were seized and transported to the Teluk Gading maritime jetty for further investigations.
"The boat was spotted during a regular patrol, prompting our enforcement officers to conduct the raid.
"We are committed and will not hesitate to take stern action against any boat owner or operator who violates federal laws within the Malaysian Maritime Zone," Suhaizan said.
He also urged members of the public to report any maritime crimes, misconduct or emergencies at sea by contacting the Johor e Maritime Operations Centre at
07-219 9404 or MERS 999 for immediate assistance.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
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