Terengganu: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Terengganu is stepping up enforcement operations to curb encroachment by foreign fishing boats in the state's waters throughout the monsoon season.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Terengganu MMEA director Captain Hamiludin Che Awang stated that the agency is taking this measure due to a trend of increasing encroachment activities by foreign fishing boats during uncertain weather conditions. Continuous patrols are being conducted using sea and air assets in hotspots, particularly fishing zones frequently targeted by foreign fishermen, despite facing rough sea conditions. Captain Hamiludin emphasized that the presence of MMEA in the waters remains consistent and effective in preventing the entry of foreign fishing boats.

He further revealed that from January 1 to December 15 this year, the Terengganu MMEA conducted 5,851 inspections in the state's waters. As a result, six foreign fishing boats with 64 crew members were detained, with the value of the seized goods estimated at RM9 million.

Hamiludin also mentioned that the agency has strengthened enforcement through maritime intelligence that monitors the movement of suspicious boats using surveillance systems and information from the local fishing community. This strategy enables swift action by the maritime authorities. Moreover, the Terengganu MMEA has intensified safety advocacy by advising local fishermen to report any intrusion or suspicious activity at sea for early action.

Cooperation with other enforcement agencies, including the Malaysian Fisheries Department and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), has been enhanced to coordinate actions and ensure comprehensive enforcement. BERNAMA reported that the Terengganu State Fishermen's Association (Penentu) expressed concern over the rampant intrusion of Vietnamese fishing boats in the state's waters during the monsoon season.

Penentu chairman Mat Yassin Mohamed noted that foreign fishing boats appear unafraid to enter the state's waters during this period, as they assume that authorities' operations are reduced due to bad weather and rough waves. He added that foreign fishermen are more active in the country's waters when local fishing boats do not venture out much during the monsoon season.