PASIR PUTEH: Two Kelantan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officers were injured during a scuffle with foreign fishermen in Tok Bali recently.
The two, in their 30s, suffered bruises and cuts on their hands and body and were treated at a hospital in Pasir Puteh.
State MMEA director Captain Syed Nor Adli Ab Rahman said the incident happened on a foreign vessel on Monday.
He said the two were about to arrest the two suspects when the scuffle broke out about 5pm.
"A MMEA vessel was conducting Op Khas Kuda Laut when the foreign fishing vessel was spotted carrying out fishing activities at Malaysian waters about 46 nautical miles off Tok Bali beach.
"The MMEA officers had ordered the foreign vessel tekong to stop the boat, but he sped off.
"In a short chase, the MMEA boat managed to stop the vessel and while on the boat, two of the foreign fishermen including one armed with a knife, attacked the MMEA officers.
"During the scuffle, the MMEA officers were injured but despite their injuries, both officers managed to nab the two," he said in a statement.
Nor Adli said the two foreigners along with 18 others were later arrested for encroaching Malaysian territorial waters.
"The 20, all from Vietnam, also did not have any valid documents on them," he said.
Nor Adli said the foreigners, aged between 29 to 48, were being held for further action.
He said during the operation the state MMEA also seized 500kg of fish, 500 litres of diesel, fishing boat and its equipment, all valued about RM1.5 million.