SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained four people and seized explosive materials used for fish bombing activity in protected Langkayan waters off here, yesterday.
The team made the arrest at about 5pm following a tip-off from the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (Simca) management.
Simca is a marine protected area (MPA) comprising Langkayan island, Billean, Tegaipil and surrounding waters.
In the arrest, the four individuals, aged between 15 and 47, have also failed to produce their identification documents.
District MMEA deputy director of operation commander Mohd Khairul Anuar Abd Majid said the team seized five bottles containing ammonium nitrate and about 50kg of fish, among other materials.
“Sandakan is rich in marine resources and fish bombing activity will destroy the marine ecosystem. Therefore, we take fish bombing seriously as it is an illegal fishing method and violates the laws under Fishery Acts.” he said.
He said the agency had confiscated the boat used by the suspects, adding MMEA will continue to monitor maritime activities in the district.
