The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency seized 575 kilogrammes of ammonia fertiliser from an abandoned boat in Semporna waters on May 4, saying it was believed to be for making fish bombs. [1]
Cmdr (M) Amir Shubli said the patrol found 22 sacks of fertiliser, estimated at about 575kg, after spotting a suspicious pump boat about 0.2 nautical miles north of Pulau Bum Bum on May 3. [1]
He said a suspect jumped into the sea and swam to the nearby shore as officers moved in. [1]
Amir said the material was believed to be used for fish bombing and that the method is a criminal offence because it can destroy the marine ecosystem, including coral reefs. [1]
The case is being investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and the Control of Supplies Act 1961. [1]