KOTA KINABALU: Four men suspected of using detonators while fishing resorted to jumping into the sea to escape capture when marine authorities chased after them in waters off Pulau Sepanggar here.
They left behind their catch weighing about 400kg and a fishing vessel among other things in their escape.
Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director for Sabah and Labuan, First Admiral Datuk Che Engku Suhaimi Che Engku Daik said prior to the Sept 24 night raid, patrol officials saw the suspicious vessel and had approached to inspect.
However, when the people on board saw our boat, they jumped into the sea and swam towards the nearby shore before running into a bushy area, he said.
Maritime officials tried to make chase but they could not find the suspect anymore as it was dark.
They checked on the abandoned vessel and found fish of various species weighing around 400kg, said Suhaimi, adding that the confiscated fish and fishing boat were valued about RM50,000.
It was also discovered that the insides of the fish were ruptured, a sign of being bombed underwater, he said.
He reminded the fishing community to refrain from using illegal means when fishing as such actions affected the ecosystem and was an offence under the law.
Suhaimi urged the public to provide information on any suspected wrongdoings at sea to the Sabah and Labuan Maritime Operations Center at 088-387774 or by contacting the emergency 999 number.