KOTA KINABALU: Four men suspected of using explosives for fishing jumped into the sea in a desperate attempt to evade arrest after their activities were detected near Sepanggar Island.
The incident, which took place at 8.30pm yesterday, led to the seizure of 400kg of various fish species and equipment believed to be used for fish bombing by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Kota Kinabalu.
Sabah and Labuan MMEA director First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik said that the seizure was made during a maritime patrol operation.
"The boat was intercepted about 0.17 nautical miles northeast of Pulau Sepanggar. Upon spotting the maritime patrol boat, the four men aboard the pump boat jumped into the sea and swam to nearby land to avoid being apprehended by the MMEA," he said in a press statement today.
A thorough inspection of the abandoned boat revealed various equipment along with some 400kg of fish, suspected to have been caught using explosives.
Initial analysis of the fish samples indicated damage to their internal organs, consistent with fish bombing activities.
The total value of the seized items, including the boat and fish, is estimated at RM50,000.
Not only was fish bombing a serious legal offence but it also posed a significant threat to the marine ecosystem and caused extensive damage to marine habitats, said Che Engku Suhaimi.
"We urge the maritime community to refrain from engaging in illegal fishing practices that violate any existing laws or regulations," he added.