2 Pinoys arrested in Malaysia for illegal fishing —report

At least two Filipino fishermen have been arrested off Miri in Borneo for "illegally fishing" there, a Malaysian news site reported late Tuesday.

One of the Filipinos had a passport while the other had no personal documents, Malaysia's The Star Online reported.

It said the maritime authorities' action stemmed from the complaints of local fishermen over the competition from foreign counterparts.

Local fishermen are also worried such continued illegal fishing may encourage illegals to go to Miri waters, and pose a security threat to residents.

Fine, jail

Also, the report said Malaysian authorities warned a hefty fine and jail term await those found guilty of illegal fishing, especially now that the shrimp harvest season is peaking in Miri.

Commander Syed Nor Adli Syed Abdul Rahman, Malaysian Maritime Agency operations director in Miri, said foreign fishermen who lack a permit from Malaysia could be fined up to RM1 million (roughly P12,076,918) and jailed.

“We are joining force with the Fisheries Department and police and other departments to curb these illegal fishing activities,” he added.

Recent seizures

In the last few days, the Malaysian Maritime Agency in Miri seized two boats of foreign fishermen illegally fishing in the area.

So far, it seized two foreign fiberglass fishing boats off Miri's shores. Both boats had no Malaysian-registered permit to fish or boat registration number.

Authorities seized some 40 kilos of shrimps and other marine harvest believed illegally harvested inside Malaysian waters.

Seized as well were nets, speedboat engines and other equipment on board. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

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