KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) is asked to establish a monitoring centre in Kuala Sungai Burung, Perak to deal with intrusion by dragnet trawlers in Tanjung Senka Piandang, Kuala Kurau in Perak.

Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) chairman Datuk Yaacob Md Sam said MMEA needed to increase the number of enforcement personnel, security posts, provide adequate equipment and conduct on-the-spot patrols in the area.

"This is to ensure the trawlers do not damage the marine life ecosystem and damage the catches and income of the coastal fishermen," he said in a statement here today.

This is among the measures proposed by EAIC following investigations on alleged intrusion by trawlers in the area.

Yaacob said MMEA should also update its standard operating procedure (SOP) and procedures in handling complaints so that any information or the identity of whistleblowers is not leaked by unscrupulous people.

The Fisheries Department also needed to eliminate and not renew any license for dragnet trawlers while amendments to the Fisheries Act should be made as a deterrent measure, he said.

He urged all three relevant agencies, namely MMEA, Fisheries Department and Marine Police to constantly conduct joint patrols more frequently to reduce incidences of such intrusions.

The issue of intrusion by dragnet trawlers has occurred since 2007 and proactive action must be effectively taken by the law enforcement agencies concerned to address encroachment by illegal trawler operators in the area, he said. – Bernama

Resource : The Sun Daily