Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officers sustained injuries while fending off attacks from Vietnamese fishermen during an inspection of their vessel in Kuala Terengganu.
According to Harian Metro, the Vietnamese fishermen were illegally fishing in Malaysian waters, about 125 nautical miles from Kuala Terengganu.
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They were attacked with sharp objects
Based on the reports, MMEA Director Maritime Captain Khairul Anuar Abd Majid said that during the incident, Lieutenant Commander Yusuf Kamal and Senior Maritime Warrant Officer Mujibur Rahman Mat Jusoh got injured in their left ribs, arms, and legs after being hit with sharp objects.
Khairul Anuar also mentioned that while inspecting the boat, all the foreign fishermen suddenly turned aggressive and attacked the 2 officers who were searching the vessel.
“As a result, a scuffle broke out as the officers tried to defend themselves from the fishermen, who were using sharp objects. While another officer fell into the sea during the struggle but was successfully rescued by the KM Rawa crew,” he explained.
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Vietnamese patrol tried to interfere
Khairul Anuar said that during the incident, a Vietnamese patrol boat was also nearby and tried to interfere with the MMEA’s attempt to detain the fishermen.
He explained that KM Rawa had to push both the fishing boat and the Vietnamese patrol boat out of the country’s waters before heading back to the Terengganu Maritime Jetty.
“When KM Rawa got to the jetty, the 3 officers were taken to Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) by ambulance for treatment. They’re now stable and being closely monitored by the hospital,” he said.
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