LUMUT: A total of 26 local and foreign fishing vessels were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Perak Fisheries Department throughout Ops Mardof 1/22 conducted from Jan 15 till Feb 25.

       Deputy director-general (operations) Rear Admiral (maritime) Datuk Kamaruszaman Abu Hassan said the total involved 25 local fishing vessels and one foreign vessel crewed by Myanmar nationals.

       He said 277 land and sea inspections were conducted throughout the operation involving operating sectors in the waters of Perak, Labuan, Pahang and Bintulu, Sarawak, using 23 marine assets of both agencies such as aircraft, ships and patrol boats, Bernama reported.

       “The focus on the operation was centred on vessel and crew inspections as well as safety awareness campaigns to identify offences related to the Fisheries Act 1985,” he said during a media conference at the Perak maritime headquarters here yesterday.

       He said Ops Mardof was implemented to strengthen enforcement, technical skills, information sharing and investigation administration expertise, especially relating to offences under the Fisheries Act 1985.