MERSING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained 20 undocumented foreigners on two boats for trespassing and illegal fishing.

       Mersing zone MMEA director Maritime Comm Khairul Nizam Misran said the two trawlers were spotted about 7.9 nautical miles (14.6km) north-east of Pulau Pemanggil at around 12.30am on Monday (May 17).

       “The foreigners, including two boat skippers, claimed to be from Vietnam, but they failed to produce any identification documents.

       “They also do not have any permit to fish in Malaysian waters.

       “We found fishing equipment and various types of fish, totalling about 9,000kg, as well as 11,500 litres of diesel on board,” he said, adding that the total seizure was worth about RM3mil.

       The suspects, aged between 16 and 52, have been taken to the Teluk Gading MMEA post for further investigations.

       The case will be investigated under the Fisheries Act for trespassing and illegal fishing, and also under the Immigration Act 1959/1963 for failing to produce valid identification documents.

       Those with information about illegal activities such as trespassing and fishing without a permit should contact the Johor MMEA operations centre at 07-219 9404 or MERS999 for any emergencies.