THE Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized a boat and arrested four Vietnamese nationals for illegally fishing in Malaysian waters on Saturday.

Director Syed Nor Adli Syed Ab Rahman said the boat was stopped 161nm off Tok Bali beach at 10.37am.

“They did not co-operate and tried to escape to the border area, which led to a 17-minute chase. Their boat then stopped due to engine damage.

“Further inspection of the boat found that the skipper and crew, ages 33 to 58, did not have any permits to catch fish in national waters,” he said in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh, today.

Syed Nor Adli said, in addition to the boat, officers also seized communication and navigation equipment.

“The value of the seized items is estimated at more than RM1.3 million. The case will be investigated for illegal fishing,” he said. – Bernama, April 17, 2023.