THE Terengganu branch of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) disposed of three Vietnamese fishing vessels near Pulau Kapas today to turn them into artificial reef.

Its director Khairulanuar Abd Majid said the boats, which were seized during Op Naga Barat and Op Kuda Laut, had been forfeited by courts last year for their use in trespassing and illegal fishing in the country’s waters.

“This is the seventh disposal this year. It is expected 13 boats will be sunk after they are forfeited by courts this year.

“The Terengganu MMEA has disposed of 156 boats to turn them into artificial reef,” he said in a statement today.

Khairulanuar said the disposals are part of MMEA’s efforts to conserve and promote marine biodiversity.

“The sinking process was done with the cooperation of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Centre, the Fisheries Department and the Marine Department.

“The biodiversity and fish biomass study report found the waters of Pulau Kapas a productive location for artificial reef (growth),” he said. – Bernama, May 29, 2023.