The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has cleared anglers from areas beneath Penang’s two cross-channel bridges after a special operation found no trespassers in the restricted zones. The Penang MMEA said 35 officers and personnel using two boats carried out Ops Khas Bersepadu on July 25 to enforce the law in areas gazetted as restricted areas and protected places under the Restricted Areas and Protected Places Act 1959.
Patrols and checks found no trespassers beneath the Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, which were once popular fishing spots. Free Malaysia Today reported that this showed high compliance among the maritime community. Kosmo! reported that the operation was led by Penang MMEA deputy director of operations, Maritime Commander Mohd Hashim Mat Zain.
The operation was conducted jointly with the Penang Chief Government Security Office, the Malaysian Highway Authority, Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd and Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan Bhd. Bernama reported that MMEA and related agencies are also drafting standard operating procedures to regulate activities near both bridges. The prohibition 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, under Section 7 of the Act, and may also be investigated under Section 447 of the Penal Code.
MMEA said enforcement was crucial to prevent risks to public safety and safeguard strategic infrastructure. Illegal activities beneath the bridges could potentially disrupt communication cables belonging to Telekom Malaysia and high-voltage electricity cables belonging to Tenaga Nasional, both located beneath the bridge structures.
