A TOTAL of 10 illegal fishing nets were seized by the Negri Sembilan Fisheries Department following an operation conducted around Tg Tuan, Port Dickson, last Monday.

Its director Halimi Abu Hanip said it is an offence to install the nets in the waters off Tg Tuan as the area had been gazetted as a prohibited fishing area under the Fisheries Act 1985.

“Three personnel from the Resource Protection Unit were involved in the operation to remove the illegal nets left by the irresponsible individuals.

“The nets were seized in accordance with Section 49 of the same act because they are deadly threat to marine life and can damage the corals that exist in the waters,” he told Bernama here today.

Halimi said those trespassing on prohibited fishing grounds could face a maximum RM20,000 fine, or two years’ jail or both.

He added that the number of seizures of illegal fishing nets has increased by 50% compared with the corresponding period last year. – Bernama, February 5, 2021.