GEORGE TOWN: Four fishermen were arrested after they were allegedly caught fishing in a prohibited zone on Sunday (Aug 8).

       All four locals were arrested during Ops Harimau held by the Resource Protection Division of the Penang Fisheries Department.

       Penang Fisheries Department director Noraisyah Abu Bakar said the fishermen were arrested around 2.30pm as they were allegedly found fishing about 4.7 nautical miles off the shores of Pulau Rimau.

       “We also seized a Class C fishing trawler, fishing equipment and their catch of almost 500kg of fish.

       “All these are valued at RM650,000 and the case is currently investigated under Section 8(b) of the Fisheries Act 1985.

       “If found guilty, they can be fined for a maximum amount of RM10,000, with their fishing equipment confiscated, and their vessel licence suspended for a year,” she added.