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Dua bot nelayan Vietnam ditahan tangkap ikan di Terengganu

41 nelayan Vietnam 
ditahan, tiga bot dirampas
T*7terbabit ditahan ketika bergerak nombor pendaftaran bot,” ka- 
secara beriringan antara pukul tanya dalam sidang akhbar di 
10 pagi hingga 10.30 pagi.
Katanya, bot tersebut berjaya 
dikesan ketika nelayan asing itu pihaknya juga merampas bot, 
baru melabuhkan pukat untuk peralatan menangkap ikan,
bekalan diesel lebih kurang 1,500 
“Hasil pemeriksaan menda- liter dan hasil tangkapan kira- 
pati ketiga-tiga bot berkenaan kira 100 kilogram yang bernilai 
dikendalikan 41 kru termasuk keseluruhan RM4.5 juta. 
tekong warga Vietnam berusia 
antara 21 hingga 44 tahun tanpa terbabit dibawa ke Jeti Pusat 
dokumen pengenalan diri yang Tahanan Vesel, Maritim Tereng-
ganu untuk siasatan lanjut,”
/K/*; 322
KUALA TERENGGANU: Agensi 
Penguatkuasaan Maritim Ma- 
laysia (Maritim Malaysia) mem- 
berkas seramai 41 kru dan te- 
kong warga Vietnam selepas 
menahan tiga bot nelayan asing 
itu di perairan negeri ini pada 19 
Mei lalu.
Pengarah Zon Maritim Ke- 
maman, Komander (M) Rashi- 
dilhadi Ab. Rashid berkata, buah 
bot nelayan asing itu ditahan 
semasa kapal Maritim Malaysia 
melakukan rondaan bersepadu 
Op Kuda Laut dan Op Naga Barat 
kira-kira 123 batu nautika dari 
Kuala Terengganu.
Menurutnya, ketiga-tiga bot
sini, semalam.
Rashidilhadi memberitahu,
menangkap ikan.
“Ketiga-tiga bot dan nelayan
sah.
“Tekong ketiga-tiga bot itu ujarnya. 
juga gagal mengemukakan se- 
barang dokumen kebenaran bawah Akta Perikanan 1985 dan 
yang sah dan memadamkan Akta Imigresen 1959/63.
-Tambahnya, kes disiasat di RASHIDILHADI Abd Rashid (berdiri. kiri) memeriksa sebahagian hasil 
laut dalam bot nelayan Vietnam yang ditahan seiepas menceroboh 
perairan negeri ini di Kuala Terengganu. semalam.


41 nelayan Vietnam ditahan, tiga bot dirampas

Rebakan baung ekor merah semakin membimbangkan

Suzalina, Halid

'Kita tak import ikan hidup dari Jepun'

Nazdy, Harun

'Tak boleh claim, tak cukup kuota'

Red sea corals threatened by sea urchins deaths

Terpaksa jemur keropok guna kipas di premis

W$T (Cj/nl^s 1+U IC.'f/li
Enduring legacy In search of seahorses inthe seagrass-rich SungaiPulai estuary in Johor.
One man’s vision becomes another’s life’s work in the 
quest to protect the fragile inhabitants of the marine 
world, discovers Elena Koshy pm**9r %r.'
i ■■■' ■
the birth of numerous tiny offspring.
"It's a complete role reversal!" he 
exclaims, smiling.
The courting process, shares Lim, 
is a dramatic display of colour changes 
and coordinated movements. Seahors-
ENEATH the serene azure horse habitats around the country's of friends, who in turn brought more in his burgeoning careerand deepened
his fascination for these extraordinaryBwaters, love flourishes waters, Choo had identified the Sungai friends to assist in the endeavour, amidst the gently sway- Pulai estuary for in-depth research oning seagrass, creating a these creatures, romantic tableau under the
sea. Two seahorses find their way to as "possibly the richest marine bio- public in marine biology and citizen that seem borrowed from other ani-
science programmes, turning it into mals: a horse's head, a chameleon’s 
it was recognised as a "Wetland of a communal and educational experi- independent eyes and camo skills, a 
International Importance" under the ence. This approach not only aided in kangaroo's pouch, a monkey's prehen- 
Ramsar Convention. This international the research and conservation of sea- site tail.
This collaborative effort gradu- marine creatures, 
ally evolved into a broader concept. It's easy to see the seahorse’s 
This estuary has been described It became a means of involving the allure, with its fanciful blend of traits
es often swim closely together, tails 
entwined in a parallel promenade, or 
they may clasp the same strand of sea- 
grass with their tails, prancing around 
it in perfect harmony. This elegant 
dance, called the "maypole dance", is 
a mesmerising spectacle.
"It's quite a Bollywood dance!" quips 
Lim, grinning. "They have a thing or 
two to teach us about relationships 
too. They keep the romance 'burning' 
by dancing with each other every single 
day!"
each other across the ocean and lock diversity spot in Malaysia". In 2003, 
their bony, plated tails together in a 
courtship dance like no other.
Dr Adam Lim Chee Ooi, a marine
biologist, vividly remembers his first environmental treaty, signed in 1971 in horses, but also fostered a greater The seahorse comes in wide
encounterwith seahorses in their nat- Ramsar, Iran, under the auspices of the public understanding and appreciation spectrum of colours and a multitude
+ ural habitat. "I spotted a pair of court- United Nations Educational, Scientific of marine life. of bumps and blotches, stripes and
ing seahorses," recalls Lim, smiling. It and Cultural Organisation, involves 168 "And that's how SOS was bom," speckles, spikes and lacy skin exten-
was his third attempt to find seahorses nations committed to wetland conser- says Lim, smiling. sions. It has bony plates instead of
in the vast expanse of Sungai Pulai's vation. Lim fondly remembers Choo's deep scales, and with no stomach to store
exposed seabed at low tide in Johor, Remarkably, this particular location passion for marine biology, particularly food, it almost constantly sucks up 
trailing after his lecturer and mentor, is also known for the ease with which his fascination with seahorses. "I found copepods, shrimp, fish larvae and
seahorses can be found without the his work with seahorses profoundly other tiny edibles.
Since 2005, Choo had been at the need for snorkelling or scuba diving, fascinating as it eventually led to my "The seahorse is an odd little crea-
helm of a special interest group he making it a significant site for ongoing own love affair' with seahorses," says ture," Lim concedes, adding: "But as I
founded and named Save Our Sea- studies and conservation efforts,
horses (SOS), demonstrating his dedi­
cation to the preservation and study of area identified by his mentor as a sort biology under Choo.
of "magical" place, rich in opportuni- For Lim, his first two excursions DANCE OF LOVE 
The lecturer at Universiti Malay- ties for research and discovery. Choo, with Choo drew a nought. "It was When it comes to animal mating ritu-
sia Terengganu frequently organised the intrepid lecturerand conservation- frustrating,” he recounts, chuckling, als, they don't get much more beau-
excursions to the estuary with vol- ist, began frequenting this area, often "Everyone spotted seahorses except tiful than that of the seahorse. These
unteers and researchers, aiming to accompanied by a local boatman. Lim
monitor and conserve the seahorse
the late Choo Chee Kuang.
As courtship progresses towards 
a deeper commitment, the dance 
becomes more elaborate, resem­
bling an Olympic-style synchronised 
swimming routine. Lim explains that 
the seahorses move up and down 
the water column in unison, waiting 
for the perfect moment of synchroni­
sation.
Lim. He'd begun volunteering with SOS learnt more about them, they intrigued
Lim refers to this specific coastal while studying for his degree in marine me."
seahorses.
At the climax of this courtship, the 
pair forms a heart shape, and the 
female transfers her eggs into the 
male's pouch, completing this remark­
able cycle of seahorse reproduction.
me!" The third expedition proved to rituals involve a series of synchro-
humorously notes his supervisor’s reli- be a defining moment for Lim as he nised dances, vibrant colour changes
population. ance on glasses, implying that spotting finally observed the tiny seahorses and ultimately, a unique role reversal
Thanks to his initial comprehensive seahorses was not always easy for him. nestled at the base of the seagrass. where the male seahorse becomes
project mapping the locations of sea- To address this, Choo enlisted the help This discovery marked a pivotal point impregnated by the female, leading to
A pair of seahorse, male and female. survey seahorses.
That's... romantic!" I breathe. Heart 
shapes? Males getting pregnant? A 
daily courtship dancing? I almost wish 
I was a seahorse, I quip, and we break 
into laughter. "See?" he exclaims. 
"That's fascinating right? And imag­
ine, the sight of the courting seahorses 
sparked my curiosity even more!"
The aspect that particularly cap­
tivated the young student was the 
process by which a female seahorse 
locates a male for their intricate 
courtship dance. "There must've been 
some form of communication between 
them," he pondered, considering the 
vastness of the ocean as a backdrop.
So how does the female find the 
male? This line of inquiry, filled with 
curiosity about the seahorses' com­
munication and mating behaviours, 
led him to delve deeply into the sub­
ject, eventually shaping the focus of his 
undergraduate research thesis.
In his research, Lim used a hydro­
phone — a "toy" version purchased by 
Choo from the United States (US) — to’ 
listen to the sounds made by seahorses 
in the aquarium.
He found that they produce a series 
of snapping, growling or grunting 
noises, audible to other seahorses. 
This discovery was a key element of 
his PhD research, deepening his study 
into the communication behaviours of 
seahorses.
recalls, chuckling. 'I took four naps 
during one such trip and we were still 
far from our destination!"
Lim recounts a hilarious experience 
when transporting a rubber dinghy on 
a motorcycle to the shore with Choo.
They then took a boat out to the ocean, 
where Lim and a fellow student were 
tasked with sitting in the dinghy to 
watch for dugongs.
Despite their diligent efforts under 
the scorching sun, they inadvertently 
drifted near Singaporean waters. Luck­
ily, Choo intervened in time and rescued 
them — a memory that Lim looks back 
on with disbelief and amusement.
Their paths diverged when Choo 
moved to the US, marking a significant 
transition in their journey. During this 
time, Lim completed his undergradu­
ate studies and opted for an unconven­
tional academic path: he fast-tracked 
to a PhD programme, skipping the 
traditional master's degree. This bold 
decision led him to Universiti Malaya, 
where he earned his doctorate in 2017.
In 2013, a pivotal moment occurred 
in Lim's life when he received an unex­
pected phone call from Choo. The call 
came as a surprise, but the message 
was even more startling. "I need you to 
take over SOS," Choo told his former Lim's first trip with SOS in October2007 
protege.
The reason behind this sudden linked to seahorses, creatures known
for their unique courtship rituals.request was heart-wrenching: Choo 
had been diagnosed with nasopharyn- r
geal cancer, and the prognosis was \ 1
dire — he had only six months to live. \
This news not only shook Lim, but also 
marked a significant turning point in his 
responsibility towards the SOS initia-
Choo's dreams and vision for SOS +
live on through his notes and researchPASSING THE BATON
Did he always want to be a marine 
biologist?
Lim responds with a chuckle and a 
nod, his tone laced with dry humour: 
"I blame all those National Geograph­
ic programmes!" he quips, adding: 
"They conned me into loving nature. 
These programmes never show you 
the countless hours spent waiting and 
searching for animals out in the wild!"
When it came to university, his path 
seemed predestined. "There were no 
other choices when I applied," he says 
dryly. "I picked marine biology and 
got it, probably because nobody else 
wanted that course!”
His university years brought him 
into contact with Choo, under whom he 
began his involvement with the SOS ini­
tiative, precipitating his own love affair 
with seahorses. This experience deeply 
influenced his academic trajectory.
Lim’s recollections of his time with 
Choo are filled with a blend of humour 
and nostalgia. He vividly remembers 
their excursions with SOS, especially 
his supervisor’s cautious driving style. 
“He was the slowest driver!" Lim
papers, which continue to serve as:
a crucial reference. "They contain
so much valuable information,” Lim
reveals quietly, underscoring the
enduring impact of Choo’s work ontive.
the organisation.As Choo grappled with his illness, 
he entrusted a significant legacy to 
his former student: all of his research
505, says Lim, is actively working
J:m to expand its reach throughout Malay-•5.■•“j. emphasising the critical need topapers and notes. This bequest was a 
testament to the deep trust and respect 
Choo held for Lim. Consequently, Lim 
found himself deeply involved once ^ - 
again with SOS. the group that had ini­
tially set him on his career path.
Reflecting on this transition, Lim Ss 
acknowledges the weight of the j;’. 
responsibility. "I couldn't say no," he E
admits. While SOS had competent Choo CheeKuang, thefounder ofSave Our Seahorses (SOS). 
leadership during Choo’s time in the
US, the latter recognised the need for a of the other members. That's when I for SOS to gain official recognition, seahorses and marine conservation
scientist at the helm to guide the group started getting involved again and I’m True to his vision, a year after his to engage with SOS through social
effectively. still with SOS to this day," says Lim. who - untimely passing, SOS achieved this media and participate in their events
This realisation led him to hand over serves as the organisation’s director. goal, becoming a registered non- and talks. Come along, ask questions;
the reins to Lim, who was uniquely Sadly, Choo, a guiding figure for SOS. governmental organisation on Feb 14, we’ll also have calls for volunteers 
positioned to continue and build upon didn't survive beyond four months. He 2014.
Choo'sgroundbreaking work in marine passed away peacefully on June 9,
biology and seahorse conservation.
“I agreed to that, with the support
sia
protect the nation's marine heritage.
Protecting our marine heritage is of
paramount importance," he states
firmly.
"We aim to grow bigger and more
impactful, covering more areas and
reaching more people. There's a vast
scope of work to be done for marine
conservation in Malaysia," he shares. 
He invites those interested in
periodically."
He emphasises the broader ben- 
noting the date — Valentine's Day — efits of their work, stating: “At the end
Lim reflects on this coincidence,
2013, at the young age of 36.
One of Choo’s lasting wishes was as fittingly symbolic for an organisation of the day, it’s not just the animals that
benefit. Saving the seahorses means 
saving the seas," highlighting the inter­
connectedness of marine conservation 
efforts and the overall health of marine
ecosystems.
Meanwhile, amidst the vibrant 
aquatic life in Sungai Pulai where sea­
horses perform their unique courtship 
dances beneath calm waters, Choo’s 
enduring work and legacy continue.
Each gentle wave of the ocean 
serves as a reminder of his indelible 
impact on marine conservation, as 
his vision through Lim and his band 
of nature champions at SOS continue 
to inspire and guide efforts to protect 
these delicate creatures and their 
underwater realm.
elenaranst.com.myAt low tide, a whole new world emerges from beneath the waters. A seahorse species known as'Hippocampus denise. photo by ken soh. siputscuba
Wonderfully weird
Seahorses are truly fascinating creatures, discovers Elena Koshy
SOS volunteers 
conducting an 
evening survey.
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as the tide recedes. The vating creatures they seek: seahors- ments. Malaysia is home to 12 out clear that these fascinating crea- List of Threatened Species.
JL seagrass beds, usually es. each one an embodiment of the of the approximately 47 species of tures require our aid. Their primary This growing awareness under-
submerged, become visible in the estuary’s delicate and vibrant eco- seahorses found worldwide. habitats — mangroves, estuaries, scores a critical need: its imperative
shallow pools of water. Members system. This expedition underscores As bottom-feeders, seahorses and coral reefs — are exception- that we turn our attention towards
of Save Our Seahorses (SOS), led by their commitment to understanding help maintain the balance of organ- ally vulnerable to human-induced the conservation of seahorses. Their
their director. Dr Adam Lim Chee Ooi, and preserving these unique marine isms on the seabed. Simultaneously, threats such as pollution, climate wellbeing is not just about preserv-
carefully disembark from their boat, inhabitants. theyarea vital part of the food chain, change and harmful fishing prac- ing a species but also about pro­
stepping into the shallow waters with "Seahorses play a crucial role in being preyed upon by various marine tices. tecting the delicate balance of their
a sense of awe and purpose. marine ecosystems," explains Lim. species, including invertebrates, The Hippocampus kuda, a species ecosystems, which are integralto the
Lim likens the scene to the mythi- They serve as a symbol for marine fish, seabirds and marine mammals. of seahorse found along our coasts, health of our planet’s oceans,
cal city of Atlantis rising from the conservation, highlighting the This dual role underscores their has experienced a concerning global So, what else makes a seahorse
depths. The group proceeds in a importance of preserving diverse importance; removing seahorses decline of about 30 per cent within uniquely special?
single file, their eyes scanning the habitats like mangroves, coral from these environments tan dis- five to eight years. Consequently, ^ elenaranst.com.my
pc?- takes about two to four weeks.
When it’s time, the male seahorse 
has these strong contractions and out 
pops the baby seahorses, called the 
fry. Depending on the type of sea­
horse, he may give birth to dozens or 
even more than a thousand at once!
But here’s the catch: as soon as 
they're born, these tiny seahorse 
babies are on their own. They drift off 
into the big ocean, where many dan­
gers await. Unfortunately, not many of 
them make it past their first days. So, 
while seahorse dads are amazing at 
giving birth, they're not really around 
for the parenting part!
ROLE REVERSAL 
Seahorses have a unique way of hav­
ing babies. It’s like a role reversal! In 
the seahorse world, it’s the dads — 
the male —who gets pregnant. When 
seahorses decide it’s time for babies, 
the female uses a special tube called 
an "ovipositor’’ to transfer her eggs 
into the male’s "brood pouch". Think 
of it like a cosy baby-carrying back­
pack, but for seahorse dads!
Once the eggs are safely in his 
pouch, the male seahorse takes care 
of them. He incubates them, keeps 
them fed. and carries them around 
until they're ready to hatch, which
ess. In an ingenious twist of evolu­
tion, they've developed prehensile \
UNIQUE BIOLOGY 
Seahorses are remarkable marine 
creatures, distinct in the fish world tails that act like anchors, allowing ,
for having necks, a feature that them to cling to seagrass and other >
gives them an almost whimsical, underwater structures. This adap­
tation is crucial for their survival, 
Interestingly, seahorses aren’t keeping them steady and secure in
the ocean's currents.
horse-like appearance.
known for their swimming prow-
FEARS.QME HUNTERS
Seahorses might be tiny, but they're 
mighty when it comes to hunting! 
These little guys are the ninjas of 
the sea. They stay super still, blend­
ing into their surroundings, and 
then, bam! They snap up their food 
with lightning speed. Their favour­
ite snacks include krill, tiny fish and 
small sea critters.
Seahorses don’t have teeth or a 
stomach for storing food. They use 
their long snouts like mini vacuum 
cleaners, constantly slurping up 
plankton and small creatures from 
the water around, them. It’s like 
they're always sipping through a 
straw, getting all the nutrients they 
need to stay active and healthy. 
So next time you see a seahorse, 
remember, it’s not just a pretty face 
— it's a skilled and relentless hunter 
of theocean.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Seahorses have these cool 
"crowns" on their heads called 
coronets, and each seahorse 
has its own special design. But 
these crowns aren’t just for show. 
They're super important for how 
seahorses "talk” to each other.
Scientists found that inside 
these crowns are two bones that 
work like our thumbs and pointer 
fingers. When seahorses lift their 
heads, these bones click together 
to. make a snapping sound. It’s 
their way of saying "hello" toother 
seahorses!
So, the coronet isn’t just a 
pretty crown; it’s a cool tool for 
seahorse chat. It shows us how 
smart and well-adapted they are 
to their underwater world. They 
really are like tiny sea kings and 
queens!
DANCING PARTNERS 
Seahorses have a magical way of 
finding a mate. They perform a 
beautiful dance that can last for days. 
They swirl around each other, change 
colours, and even hold tails, just like 
holding hands.
But their partnerships aren’t 
always "forever". If a seahorse cou­
ple spends too much time apart, or if 
the male gets sick, the female might ; 
look for a new partner. It’s their way of 
making sure they find the best match 
for having baby seahorses.


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Dua bot nelayan Vietnam ditahan tangkap ikan di Terengganu

41 nelayan Vietnam ditahan, tiga bot dirampas

Rebakan baung ekor merah semakin membimbangkan

'Kita tak import ikan hidup dari Jepun'

'Tak boleh claim, tak cukup kuota'

Red sea corals threatened by sea urchins deaths

Terpaksa jemur keropok guna kipas di premis

Enduring legacy

Kutu air bersih kegunaan industri akuakultur

Harga ikan kekal murah di Kelantan

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