Published on: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 |
Kota Kinabalu: Vessel inspections and the number of people arrested by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) throughout the State have increased tremendously over the past four years.
Sabah and Labuan MMEA Chief, First Admiral (Maritime) Mohd Taha Ibrahim said the number of vessels inspected this year increased to 2,478 compared to 973 inspections in 2008.
The total number of arrests went up to 166 from 90 arrests in the previous year, he said.
"The factor behind this tremendous increase is the increase in the number of MMEA personnel and because there are more vessels operating in waters throughout the State," he told reporters, Tuesday.
He also revealed that most arrests were made in Sandakan with 67 arrests, followed by Labuan with 39 arrests and Tawau with 33 arrests, while Kota Kinabalu recorded a total of 27 arrests.
As of this year, according to statistics furnished by Mohd Taha, 38 arrests were made under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and 37 arrests under the Fisheries Act 1985, while 67 arrests were investigated under the Immigration Act 156/63.
"These three offences contributed mostly to the increase in the number of people arrested.
Other offences had to do with the Control of Supply Act, Malaysian Industry Timber Board Act, Customs Act 1967 and National Land Code," he said.
Meanwhile, he also said MMEA is serious about curbing fish-bombing activities.
"We received lots of complaints from the community regarding fish bombing at their areas and I am moved by the response of the villagers who came forward to furnish us with information.
"Fish bombing damages the underwater world, especially the coralsÉwe are against this action.
We welcome cooperation from the community in order to curb this illegal activities together," Mohd Taha said.
