Malaysian Fishing Boat Busted: 21 Foreign Crew Detained

A Malaysian fishing boat operating off the coast of Tioman Island was recently apprehended by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA). The vessel, identified as a Class C2 fishing boat, was found to be in violation of its license by employing 21 foreign crew members without the proper work permits. According to a statement released by the MMEA, the crew consisted of two Thai nationals, twelve Cambodians, and seven Laotians, all of whom were between the ages of 20 and 57. "The boat was operating in a suspicious manner," said First Admiral Mazlan Mat Rajab, MMEA director for Pahang. "Our patrol vessel noticed the irregularities and proceeded to intercept the vessel." In addition to the undocumented workers, the MMEA also seized approximately seven metric tons of illegally caught fish and the fishing equipment used in the operation. The boat and its crew were brought to the MMEA jetty in Teluk Gedung, Kuala Rompin, for further investigation. The case is now being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63. This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by Malaysian authorities to combat illegal fishing practices and ensure compliance with labor regulations.