VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta. A Malaysian-flagged fishing vessel was detained by Indonesia's Marine and Fishery Affairs Ministry's patrol ship in Malacca Straits for poaching.

"We confirmed the arrest of a Malaysian-flagged illegal fishing ship PKFA 8487 in Malacca Straits. The arrest was made by Hiu 08 patrol ship," acting Director General of Marine Resource and Fisheries (PSDKP) of the ministry Antam Novambar said in a statement here on Sunday.

The ship with two Malaysian crew members and three Indonesian crews have operated trawl net. They were captured on Saturday (April 17) and detained at PSDKP Belawan for further legal process, he said.

According to Novambar, the illegal fishing vessel tried to escape when the  Indonesia's patrol ship came.

"No compromise, as they used destructive fishing gear. We will conduct legal process in accordance with the regulation," he noted.

Director of Surveillance and Fleet Operation Pung Nugroho Saksono said he has instructed field officers to increase alertness against poaching during the fasting month Ramadhan when the illegal practise tend to increase.

During 2021, the ministry has captured 73 fishing ships  comprising 13 foreign ships and 60 Indonesian ships for illegal fishing. Of the 13 foreign ships, six are Malaysian and seven Vietnamese ships.

The ministry has also arrested 55 suspects for destructive fishing, he said. (Antaranews)