GEORGE TOWN: Five Myanmar nationals, who work as fish cage caretakers in Penang waters, jumped into sea to avoid being arrested by the authorities during an integrated operation — codenamed Operation PATKOR OPTIMA MALINDO 31A/2024 — yesterday.
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Penang director Captain Maritime Razali Kasim, however, said their action proved futile as they were finally arrested.
"We conducted checks on two fish cages and the five men resorted to jumping into the sea before hiding under a blue barrel that had been modified to be used as a buoy in an efforts to avoid being arrested by the authorities.
"Maritime Malaysia also mobilised the Diving Squadron under the coordination of the Special Task and Rescue Team (STAR Team) in this operation.
"It took them almost an hour to lift up the five due to the dark weather and dangerous environment.
"The men, in their 20s and 40s, also acted aggressively and did not cooperate when arrested."
Razali said further checks found the five men might have been in Malaysia illegally.
The case is probed under the Immigration Act 1959/63.