Anglers cleared out of popular fishing spots at Penang bridges

 The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency carried out an operation to prevent trespassing, as both bridges are gazetted as restricted areas and protected places.

MMEA and other enforcement agencies carried out an operation around Penang’s cross-Channel bridges against trespassing of the restricted areas. (MMEA pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Areas under Penang’s two cross-Channel bridges, which have long been popular fishing spots, are now clear of anglers, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency said after an operation to prevent trespassing in the areas.

Patrols and checks found no trespassers beneath both bridges, which were once popular fishing spots, showing there was high compliance among the maritime community, the Penang MMEA said in a statement. It said 35 officers and personnel using two MMEA boats were involved in yesterday’s operation.

According to an MMEA statement, the operation was aimed to prevent trespassing and ensure legal compliance as both bridges are gazetted as restricted areas and protected places.

The restriction covers the entire area beneath both bridges, including a buffer zone extending 250m to the left and right of the bridge structures. Offenders face a maximum penalty of up to two years jail or a fine of up to RM1,000, or both.

MMEA said enforcement was crucial to prevent risks to public safety and safeguard the integrity of the country’s strategic infrastructure. “Illegal activities beneath the bridges could potentially disrupt communication cables and high-voltage electricity cables belonging to Telekom Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional which are located beneath the bridge structures,” it said. - FMT