Penang: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) Penang branch detained two vessels this week for violating national maritime laws. Penang Maritime director, Captain Muhammad Suffi Mohd Ramli, announced that on January 4, a Class C local fishing vessel operated by Thai nationals was seized for fishing within 15 nautical miles, breaching its licence conditions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the men, aged 41 to 58, were handed to maritime investigators for further action. The case is being investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Immigration Act 1959/63, after one crew member failed to provide valid identification.

In a separate case yesterday, a UK-flagged sailing vessel, operated by two British nationals aged 48 and 67, was detained for anchoring without permission. This offence falls under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.

Muhammad Suffi stated that Penang MMEA will continue to intensify patrols and enforcement to protect maritime security and preserve the country's marine resources.