Foreign vessels use stealth tactics to harvest sea cucumbers illegally in Kelantan waters

New Straits Times

19-07-2025

PASIR PUTEH: Foreign fishing vessels, particularly from Vietnam, have been found using sophisticated tactics to avoid detection while illegally harvesting sea cucumbers (gamat) in Kelantan waters.
Kelantan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) director Maritime Captain Erwan Shah Soahdi said these vessels often operate at night or in the early hours of the morning to avoid detection by patrol boats.
"Their modus operandi includes switching off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to evade electronic surveillance, sailing without navigation lights to avoid visual detection, and using false registration numbers to conceal their identities.
"In some cases, the foreign fishermen even use vessels that closely resemble local fishing boats and operate during daylight hours to mislead enforcement personnel," he told the New Straits Times.
Erwan said the last arrest related to illegal sea cucumber harvesting in Kelantan was in August 2022, involving a 200kg haul worth an estimated RM5,000.
He said no new cases have been recorded from 2023 until May this year.
He said previous arrests were made about 40 nautical miles off the coast near the Tok Bali estuary, and monitoring efforts have since been expanded to better detect and prevent future intrusions.
"These foreign incursions threaten the sustainability of our marine life and must be stopped.
"We will continue to reinforce our maritime borders through intelligence-based operations and strategic enforcement.
"If left unchecked, the use of destructive equipment such as fine drag nets and iron hooks in gamat harvesting can damage the seabed, disrupt the marine food chain, and threaten the livelihoods of local fishermen," he warned.
He said sea cucumbers remain highly sought-after in both local and international markets.
Typically processed dried or frozen, they are used in traditional medicine and cosmetic products, with prices ranging between RM100 and RM200 per kilogram, depending on species and processing methods.
"We believe the harvested sea cucumbers are usually channelled to organised syndicates that distribute them to overseas buyers.
"Past hotspots, including areas near Tok Bali and marine parks like Pulau Tenggol, have been brought under control through aggressive enforcement.
"However, these zones remain under close surveillance to prevent future illegal activity," he added.
While illegal sea cucumber harvesting is no longer considered a serious concern in Kelantan, Erwan said the agency remains vigilant.
The agency, he said, has ramped up coordination with local communities and relevant authorities to ensure long-term marine sustainability.
"We remain committed to curbing illegal activities in national waters and ensuring that Malaysia's rich marine biodiversity is protected for future generations," he added.