Terengganu: A total of 12 foreign fishing boats confiscated by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) were disposed of as artificial reefs in Terengganu waters this year. Terengganu MMEA director Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang stated that the boats, valued at RM1.7 million, were among those seized by the agency last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the boats were transformed into artificial reefs to support efforts aimed at conserving marine ecosystems and enhancing the biodiversity of marine life. This initiative was announced by Hamiludin during a press briefing.

He highlighted that utilizing the confiscated boats as artificial reefs is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional disposal methods. This approach not only disposes of the vessels but also contributes to the creation of new habitats for various marine species, thereby enriching the marine biodiversity in the region.

Hamiludin further explained that the disposal of the boats was conducted in collaboration with several agencies, emphasizing the joint efforts to promote marine conservation and create sustainable marine environments.