Langkawi: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained two local fishing vessels along with six Thai crew members in two separate operations in Langkawi waters yesterday. Kedah and Perlis Maritime director First Admiral Romli Mustafa stated that the first vessel was detained at about 11 am at 9.2 nautical miles west of Tanjung Belua, involving a local vessel with three Thai crew members aged between 43 and 69.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first vessel was found to have committed an offence under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing less than 15 nautical miles from the shore and also violated the Immigration Act 1959/63. The second vessel, with three Thai crew members aged between 31 and 53, was detained at approximately 1.25 pm at 4.0 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Chinchin.

Further inspection revealed that the second vessel had modified its diesel storage tank capacity, which is an offence under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985, in addition to breaching the Immigration Act 1959/63. Romli emphasized that the MMEA would not compromise on any violations of the law and would continue to intensify patrols to curb illegal activities in the nation's waters.

He also urged the public to report any information related to maritime crimes or emergencies through the 999 hotline or the Kedah and Perlis Maritime State Operations Centre at 04-9662750 for immediate action.