MMEA NABS 53 FOREIGN FISHERMEN, SEIZES SIX BOATS WORTH RM6 MILLION

PASIR PUTEH (Malaysia), March 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime
Enforcement Agency (MMEA) recorded the biggest seizure in its history with the
arrest of 53 foreign fishermen and confiscation of six boats worth over RM6
million (US$1=RM3.69) Friday.

Maritime Operations director, Commander Rozali Mohd Said said the fishermen,
comprising 46 Vietnamese and seven Thais, were arrested for trespassing and
fishing in Malaysian waters near Pantai Tok Bali here.

"Fifteen of them are juveniles, aged between 13 and 17, and they will be
sent back to their countries of origin soon," he told reporters at the Tok Bali
MMEA Base, here, Saturday.

He said the rest of the fishermen would be investigated under Section
15(1)(a) of the Fisheries Act 1985 which carries a maximum fine of RM1 million
and imprisonment for a term of five months, or both, upon conviction.

They are currently detained at the Machang police headquarters while
awaiting remand proceedings.

Eight tonnes of fish harvest worth between RM5,000 and RM6,000 seized from
the boats are to be put up for auction soon.

-- BERNAMA