KL detains 14 Thais, Indonesians for suspected illegal fishing

The Jakarta Post

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia's navy detained a group of 14 Thais and Indonesians aboard a trawler found fishing without a permit off eastern Malaysia, an official said Saturday.

A naval patrol boat intercepted the vessel, which was carrying 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of fish Friday in Malaysian waters in the South China Sea, said Pahang state navy spokesman Lt. RosliHarun.

The 12 Thais and two Indonesians aboard the trawler will likely face charges of illegal fishing, Rosli said.

Under Malaysian law, skippers charged with illegal fishing can be jailed for up to six months and fined, while crew members can be jailed for up to four months and fined.

The vessel was believed to have been heading from Thailand's Songkhla province to Indonesia's Batam island.