The Malaysian navy has detained two Singapore-registered trawlers and eight crew for fishing illegally off the east coast of Johor state, a report said Tuesday.

State news agency Bernama said the seized ships had a total of more than 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of fish in their holds.

A naval patrol boat held the seven Indonesian crew and a Malaysian for questioning after discovering the trawlers did not have valid permits to fish in Malaysian waters, it said.

It quoted a navy spokesman as saying the eight had been handed over to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency for prosecution.