KOTA BHARU - The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has disposed of 90 foreign fishing boats seized for encroaching into the country's waters in Kelantan between 2015 and this year.
MMEA deputy director-general (Management) Mohd Norzam Mustafa said the disposal process was done after the court ordered the forfeiture of the boats.
"There are another three foreign fishing boats in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh, which are still in the midst of the court process and expected to be disposed of this year.
"The disposal of boats is done as a deterrent to foreign fishermen not to encroach into Malaysian waters,” he told reporters after witnessing the process of sinking the foreign fishing boats with artificial reefs in the waters of Kuala Besar here today, which was a collaborative effort between the MMEA and Petronas.
Also present were Kelantan MMEA director Maritime Captain Syed Nor Adli Syed Ab Rahman and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd senior general manager for Peninsular Malaysia Asset, Hafiz Azzad Zubir.
Mohd Norzam said today’s programme also created history in the Malaysia Book of Records as it was recognised as the First Fishing Vessel with an Artificial Concrete Reef.
He said the collaboration will help preserve the marine ecosystem and further increase the variety of high-value fish species.
"It will also help local fishermen increase their income without having to endanger themselves by going near the oil rig areas in the state’s waters,” he added. - BERNAMA