GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) seized 28 sets of illegal 'bubu naga' (fish traps) at two separate locations in Ops Pertiwi/Benteng Laut on Thursday (April 21) night.

       Penang MMEA director Capt Abd Razak Mohamed said the traps were found northwest of Batu Kawan waters here between 9.10pm to 9.30pm.

       "During the integrated routine operation, the patrol boat team spotted several suspicious buoys on the water surface which we believed to be the marker for the traps.

       "Inspection at both locations discovered 28 traps which had been set up by irresponsible individuals," he said in a statement on Friday (April 22).

       Abd Razak said all the traps have been confiscated and estimated to be worth RM3,360 in total and have been sent to Batu Uban marine police jetty for further investigation.

       He said the use of bubu naga was prohibited by the Fisheries Department since Nov 1, 2018, as it could adversely affect other fishery resources due to its lengthy shape and the fact that it was made up of several fish traps that were connected to each other.

       He said it could also affect marine biodiversity and other fishermen's income.

       He added that the owner of the traps could be prosecuted under Section 11(3)(c) of the Fisheries Act 1985 for using the illegal method of fishing.

       "Those individuals who committed the act can be punished with a fine of not more than RM20,000 and a jail term not more than two years or both," he said.

       He reminded fishermen to adhere to the stipulated law and not to violate their fishing licence.

       For complaints of maritime offences at sea or emergencies, the public can call the MMEA hotline at 04-985 1072 and 04- 985 1162 or MERS 999.