Malaysian Maritime Agency Detains Fishing Vessel for Illegal Operations Near Pahang Coast

KUANTAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Pahang has detained a local fishing vessel suspected of conducting illegal fishing activities within restricted waters off the state’s coastline.

The Class C vessel was intercepted at approximately 12:15 a.m., about 7 nautical miles east of Tanjung Agas—well within the prohibited 12-nautical-mile zone from shore designated for smaller-scale fishing operations.

Pahang MMEA Director First Admiral Maritime Haji Mazlan Mat Rejab said the vessel was spotted actively fishing during a routine patrol under Ops Makmur, Ops Tiris, and Ops Khas Pagar Laut.

“Upon inspection, the vessel was found to be operated by seven Vietnamese crew members, including the skipper, aged between 19 and 40,” he said in a statement.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the vessel had allegedly violated provisions under the Fisheries Act 1985 by breaching licensing conditions, specifically by fishing within restricted coastal waters. Additionally, the crew is suspected of committing offenses under the Immigration Act 1959/63 for possessing questionable identification documents.

The vessel, along with its skipper, crew, and approximately 300 kilograms of catch, was escorted to the Pernepa Jetty in Kuantan for further investigation by maritime enforcement authorities.

The MMEA reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal fishing and maritime encroachment in Malaysian waters, stressing that strict enforcement actions will continue to safeguard national resources and maritime security.

Members of the public with information on maritime crimes or emergencies are urged to contact the Pahang Maritime Operations Centre at 09-5717345 or dial 999 for immediate assistance.