The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) will resume detaining foreign fishing boats encroaching into Malaysian waters from today, after the boats were only driven out during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
MMEA director-general Maritime Admiral Datuk Mohd Zubil Mat Som said 88 foreign boats, especially from Vietnam were expelled from Malaysian waters since the MCO was implemented on March 18 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 involving imported cases.
"When the MCO entered the recovery phase (from June 10), the MMEA decided to resume enforcement action on foreign fishing boats that is detaining them," he told a press conference here, today.
To curb the spread of the pandemic, Mohd Zubil said all foreign fishing boats that were detained would be taken to the nearby islands of Pulau Bidong for the crew to undergo the COVID-19 screening tests.
"If found negative, they will be taken to the jetty for legal action to be taken, while for those who test positive be given treatment until they recover before being prosecuted," he said.
At the same time, MMEA has suggested to the Fisheries Department to introduce the provisions for corporal punishment on foreign fishermen so that they will be really scared to encroach into Malaysian waters.
"The current penalties which are fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of boats (to be sunk) doesn't seem to scare them," he said.
He said although fines had been raised up to RM6 million for the skipper (tekong) and RM500,000 for the crew found guilty of encroaching the country's waters, but to date no fine has been imposed because they chose to be jailed between six months to a year.
In order to enhance the control of national waters, Mohd Zubil said the MMEA will acquire three big 83-metre long ships, with the first vessel expected to be handed over to agency by the end of the year.
"This large vessel will be used as the main ship to supply logistics materials to MMEA interceptor boats," he said.
Mohd Zubil said MMEA had also suggested to the government that the agency be equipped with three Multi Purpose Machinery Ship (MPMS), with an estimated cost of RM1.05 billion, which was capable of being at sea for a month.
"If we have MPMS, the task of controlling the national waters can also be enhanced by using drones, which can do the monitoring before we sent the interceptor boats to detain the fishermen trespassing our waters," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jun 24 2020
To curb the spread of the pandemic, Mohd Zubil said all foreign fishing boats that were detained would be taken to the nearby islands of Pulau Bidong. - FILEpic
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.