LUMUT: A total of 26 local and foreign fishing vessels have been detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Perak State Fisheries Department throughout Operation Mardof 1/22 conducted since the January 15 until yesterday.

Deputy Director General (Operations) Rear Admiral (Maritime) Datuk Kamaruszaman Abu Hassan (picture) said the total was 25 local fishing vessels and one foreign vessel manned by Myanmar nationals.

He said 277 land and sea inspections were carried out throughout the operation involving operating sectors in the waters of Perak, Labuan, Pahang and Bintulu, Sarawak, using 23 sea assets from the two agencies such as planes, ships and patrol boats.

“The focus of the operation centered on vessel and crew inspections as well as safety awareness campaigns to identify breaches of the Fisheries Act 1985,” he said. during a press conference at the Perak State Maritime Headquarters here today.

Kamaruszaman said such inspections and operations at sea, especially around Area A, would benefit the traditional fishing community by allowing them to operate without violation or encroachment of fishing activity areas by local fishing vessels. class B and C trawlers, the use of ‘bubu naga’ and foreign fishing vessels.

He added that Operation Mardof between MMEA and Perak State Fisheries Department was implemented to build technical enforcement skills, information sharing and expertise in fisheries administration. investigations, particularly in relation to breaches of the Fisheries Act 1985.

“The partnership is also seen as an initiative of the two agencies to develop their human resource capacities, in particular to reduce the problems associated with the Fisheries Act of 1985 following the modification of the conditions and regulations governing the issuance of permits temporary employment opportunities to foreign nationals involved in fishing activities,” he added. — Bernama