Three interstate trawlers were seized by the Penang Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for encroaching into Penang waters today.
The unauthorised access to restricted coastal fishing zone at a distance of 12 nautical miles from the shoreline has prompted MMEA to intercept the trawlers from Perak.
Its enforcement chief Kamaruszaman Abu Hassan said the Perak registered trawlers were spotted between 1 am and 2.30 am.
“The trawlers were escorted to Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) jetty, Penang while three boat helmsmen and 56 Thailand nationality crew, aged between 19 and 62, were detained for further investigations.
“Those on board have violated rules by fishing less than 12 nautical miles from the shore”, he said in a press statement today.
2011 The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad