First Op Naga sees 123 Vietnamese fishermen nabbed

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 25 Vietnamese fishing boats and 123 crew members were detained during the first Op Naga conducted to curb encroachment of foreign fishing vessels into of Malaysian waters.

Home Ministry in a statement today said a total of 266 vessels were inspected during the operation held between May 2 and 16.

“Op Naga, led by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), involved a joint-enforcement and patrolling efforts at the waters and air space in Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.

“It involves joint operations with the Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, marine police, police’s air wing unit and Fisheries Department,” the statement said.

The cases would be investigated under Section 15 (1) (a) of Fisheries Act 1985 for fishing in Malaysian waters without prior permission and Immigration Act 1959/1963 for entering the country without valid travel documents.

“Op Naga will be continued to ensure that there is no trespassing of Malaysian waters and that the local fishermen can carry out their activities without disturbance and competition from foreign fishermen,” it said.

Meanwhile, 15 Vietnamese fishermen were nabbed during a joint-operation involving MMEA and the Immigration Department on May 14.

“They were detained for failing to furnish valid identification card and overstaying, as well as possessing Temporary Work Visit Permit certifications which were suspected to be fake.

“One of the houses that were raided was also suspected to be a base for tonto (tout) following the discovery of a high frequency (HF) communication device,” it said, adding that the detainees would be investigated under Immigration Act 1959/1963.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, along with Agriculture and Agro-based Minister Datuk Salahuddin Bin Ayub, and Deputy Defence Minister Senator Liew Chin Tong had on April 24 announced the establishment of a task force to address fishing activities by foreign vessels, especially Vietnam which has become rampant.

Two sub-committees for law enforcement; and policy and legislation were also formed.