Latest news with #MMEA
New Straits Times
14 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Indonesian among two held for ferrying tourists without licences
KUALA TERENGGANU: Two boat operators, including an Indonesian national, have been detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) for ferrying passengers to Pulau Perhentian without valid licences. Terengganu Maritime director Captain Hamiludin Che Awang said both boats were intercepted during routine patrols at 11am and 12pm yesterday. "At the time of the interceptions, one boat was travelling from Pulau Serenggeh to Long Beach, while the other was en route from Ombak Dive to a diving site at Pulau Perhentian," he said in a statement. The first boat was operated by a 35-year-old Malaysian man, and the second by a 24-year-old Indonesian man. Both individuals are being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO), which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 upon conviction. Hamiludin said that such irresponsible behaviour not only violates maritime regulations but also endangers the lives of passengers. "Unlicensed boats usually bypass technical and safety inspections, putting passengers at high risk during emergencies at sea," he said.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
1,742 illegal ‘bubu naga' traps seized last year under Op Sayong
PARIT BUNTAR: The Perak Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 1,742 illegal 'bubu naga' fish traps, with an estimated value of RM176,000, throughout last year in the waters off Kerian as well as Larut, Matang and Selama. Kuala Kurau Maritime Zone director commander Mohd Hairil Othman said all the traps were seized under Op Sayong between January and the end of December last year in areas around Kuala Kurau, Kuala Gula, Kalumpang and Bagan Panchor near here. 'In 2023 alone, MMEA seized 1,527 sets of bubu naga (in the same waters) worth RM110,000. All the seizures were made under Section 11(3)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for using prohibited fishing methods. 'There has been an increase each year, as these traps only need to be placed in the sea, and each morning, fishermen simply collect the catch. This method yields higher income compared to conventional fishing techniques,' he told a press conference here today. He added that two foreign nationals were arrested while deploying bubu naga and handed over to the Immigration Department for further action. The MMEA also reminded the fishing community not to use prohibited equipment, particularly bubu naga, to safeguard the sustainability of the country's marine ecosystem, he said.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Man arrested for encroaching Lahad Datu forest reserve
LAHAD DATU: A 59-year-old man was arrested during Op Bakau yesterday for allegedly encroaching into the Lahad Datu Forest Reserve. Lahad Datu Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the joint operation carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Sabah Forestry Department discovered that 2.02 hectares of land had been encroached upon. 'Checks revealed illegal activities, including mangrove tree logging, open burning, and the planting of oil palm, fruits, and vegetables. A residential house and a swiftlet bird nest structure were also built without permission,' he said in a statement today. The suspect, who is believed to have committed an offence under the Forest Enactment 1968, has been referred to the Lahad Datu Forestry Department for further investigation. Dzulfikhar said the integrated operation is crucial for protecting forest reserves, waterways, and coastal areas while preserving natural ecosystems and ensuring national maritime security. Members of the public with information about criminal activities or emergencies at sea are encouraged to contact the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or MERS 999.
Barnama
2 days ago
- Barnama
Man Arrested For Encroaching Lahad Datu Forest Reserve
LAHAD DATU, June 18 (Bernama) -- A 59-year-old man was arrested during Op Bakau yesterday for allegedly encroaching into the Lahad Datu Forest Reserve. Lahad Datu Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the joint operation carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Sabah Forestry Department discovered that 2.02 hectares of land had been encroached upon. 'Checks revealed illegal activities, including mangrove tree logging, open burning, and the planting of oil palm, fruits, and vegetables. A residential house and a swiftlet bird nest structure were also built without permission,' he said in a statement today. The suspect, who is believed to have committed an offence under the Forest Enactment 1968, has been referred to the Lahad Datu Forestry Department for further investigation. Dzulfikhar said the integrated operation is crucial for protecting forest reserves, waterways, and coastal areas while preserving natural ecosystems and ensuring national maritime security. Members of the public with information about criminal activities or emergencies at sea are encouraged to contact the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or MERS 999. -- BERNAMA
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
In Sabah, man caught logging, burning and farming in protected Lahad Datu area
LAHAD DATU, June 18 — A 59-year-old man was arrested during Op Bakau yesterday for allegedly encroaching into the Lahad Datu Forest Reserve. Lahad Datu Maritime Zone director, Maritime Commander Dzulfikhar Ali, said the joint operation carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Sabah Forestry Department discovered that 2.02 hectares of land had been encroached upon. 'Checks revealed illegal activities, including mangrove tree logging, open burning, and the planting of oil palm, fruits, and vegetables. A residential house and a swiftlet bird nest structure were also built without permission,' he said in a statement today. The suspect, who is believed to have committed an offence under the Forest Enactment 1968, has been referred to the Lahad Datu Forestry Department for further investigation. Dzulfikhar said the integrated operation is crucial for protecting forest reserves, waterways, and coastal areas while preserving natural ecosystems and ensuring national maritime security. Members of the public with information about criminal activities or emergencies at sea are encouraged to contact the Lahad Datu Maritime Zone via WhatsApp at 016-9305727 or MERS 999. — Bernama
