KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has seized explosive items, diving equipment and 140kg of fish that were caught illegally off Pulau Gaya yesterday.
Kota Kinabalu MMEA director First Admiral Adam Aziz said two pump boats were also confiscated during the operation at 6.35pm yesterday.
“MMEA personnel initially spotted two suspicious-looking pump boats at 0.2 nautical miles off Pulau Gaya.
“As our men got closer, the skippers of both boats immediately sped off towards the island.
“At the shore, four men were then spotted jumping into the water to make their escape, leaving the boats behind,” he said.
Further checks found numerous explosive items and diving equipment believed to have been used for illegal fish bombing activity.
“About 140kg of fish were also confiscated and all the seized items were taken to the MMEA jetty in Sepanggar for further investigation.” he said.
The case will be investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985.