MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a local fishing vessel off the coast of Lutong yesterday (May 7) after it was found to have breached regulations under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Miri Maritime Zone director Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the vessel was intercepted at about 3.15pm during a routine enforcement operation carried out by MMEA assets in waters approximately 3.5 nautical miles west of Lutong.
Investigations revealed that the vessel’s communication equipment certification had expired, constituting an offence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
“The inspection also found that the vessel was operated by five crew members comprising one Malaysian and four Indonesians aged between 17 and 70,” he said in a statement today.
Following the discovery, the authorities issued a detention order on the vessel before escorting it, together with all crew members, to the Vessel Detention Centre for further investigation by MMEA enforcement officers.
Mohd Khairol said Maritim Malaysia would continue to intensify patrols and enforcement operations to safeguard the nation’s waters and ensure all vessels comply with maritime laws and regulations.
He also urged members of the public with information on criminal activities or emergencies at sea to contact the emergency hotline 999, the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 085-649111, or the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 or 082-432016 for immediate action.
