MIRI: Malaysian maritime enforcement officers have detained a tugboat suspected of breaching merchant shipping regulations during a routine patrol off the Lawas coast on Wednesday (Feb 25), authorities said.
The interception was carried out by the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri Zone, about 2.5 nautical miles north of Kuala Lawas at around 1.05pm, as part of joint patrols under Ops Permai 01/19 and Ops Tiris 3.0.
Maritime Zone director Captain (Maritime) Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said initial checks revealed the tugboat failed to produce a valid Domestic Shipping Licence during inspection.
The vessel was also found to be operating without flying the national ensign, a further breach under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
A master and three crew members, comprising two Malaysians and one Indonesian, aged between 20 and 50, were operating the tugboat. They were detained to assist with investigations.
The case is being probed under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952. If convicted, they may face fines, compounds or other penalties.
Khairol said maritime patrols and enforcement would be intensified to ensure strict compliance with shipping regulations and to safeguard the safety and sovereignty of Malaysian waters.
Members of the public with information on maritime offences or emergencies at sea are urged to contact the Malaysian Maritime emergency line at 999, the Maritime Zone Miri Operations Centre at 085-649111, or the Sarawak Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 or 082-432016.
