The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained 23 Vietnamese fishermen on April 8 on the charge of illegally fishing in the waters off Terengganu and Pahang states.

They were detained during two different round-ups called Operation Perkasa Timur and Operation Marikh, about two hours after they were first spotted by the agency’s patrol craft, the New Straits Time quoted MMEA Eastern regional director Khoo Teng Chuan as saying.

The MMEA seized two fishing vessels together with 450 kilogrammes of fish and squid.

Khoo said that the two vessels were seized on their way back to Vietnam with their catch.

All of the Vietnamese nationals did not have any travel document. They were brought to shore for further investigation.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia has sent a diplomatic note and contacted relevant authorities to learn more about the case.

VNA