T'GANU MMEA, IN SUPPORT OF SUSTAINABILITY, DISPOSES NINE FOREIGN FISHING BOATS TO BE TURNED INTO ARTIFICIAL REEF

KUALA TERENGGANU, 25 April (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) in Terengganu has disposed of nine foreign fishing vessels to be used as artificial reefs in line with the sustainability approach in marine resource management.

MMEA deputy director-general (Logistics) Vice Admiral Datuk Saiful Lizan Ibrahim said all nine vessels were sunk between September 2022 and recently, totalling RM15 million.

"Additionally, during the same period, the Terengganu MMEA also recorded 40 cases of arrests of foreign fishermen who trespassed into the state's waters.

"It also involved the seizure of vessels, equipment, and marine products with a total value of RM60 million," he said after attending the handover ceremony for the Terengganu MMEA director between Maritime First Admiral Mohd Khairulanuar Abdul Majid@Razali and his successor Maritime Captain Hamiludin Che Awang here today.

Meanwhile, Saiful Lizan reminded local boat operators who ferry squid fishermen to ensure that they always have sufficient safety equipment and report their movements to the MMEA to facilitate rescue operations in the event of an unwanted situation.

He said his team would conduct continuous monitoring with a greater focus on the safety of those who enjoy this activity in the ocean through the operation of assets and personnel 24/7.

In Terengganu, the squid fishing season has started at the beginning of this month and is expected to last until September, with the locations where squid fishing is concentrated being Pantai Marang, Pantai Teluk Bidara, Pulau Kapas as well as Pulau Redang.

-- BERNAMA