13 November 2007
Channel News Asia
SINGAPORE: The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) has confirmed that two Singapore-registered fishing vessels have been detained by Malaysian authorities.
Also detained are eight crew members, believed to be made up of seven Indonesians and a Malaysian.
Reports say Malaysia is holding the two trawlers on trespass charges, alleging that they were fishing illegally off the east coast of Johor.
According to Bernama news agency, the seized vessels had a total of over 300 kilogrammes of fish.
A Malaysian navy spokesman was quoted as saying that the eight crew members have been handed over to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency .
The crew are being held for questioning after Malaysian authorities discovered that the trawlers apparently did not have valid permits to fish in Malaysian waters.
AVA is investigating the matter. - CNA/ir
