MIRI: A tugboat and two barges have been detained off the coast of Miri after allegedly breaching Malaysia’s Merchant Shipping Ordinance during a routine maritime inspection.
The operation, carried out by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), took place between 5.15pm and 5.45pm on Monday (May 18) under Op PERMAI 01/2019 and Op TIRIS 4.0.
According to Miri MMEA director Capt Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, the vessels were inspected about 0.9 nautical miles west of Lutong.
Investigators found that the tugboat and one of the barges failed to produce valid Domestic Ship Licences during the inspection.
Both barges were also unable to provide intact stability documents, a requirement under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
The vessels were manned by 12 crew members comprising five Malaysians, four Indonesians, two Myanmar nationals and one Indian national, aged between 20 and 70.
Following the inspection, detention orders were issued against the tugboat and barges before the vessels were directed to anchor at a safe location.
The master of the tugboat and one crew member from each case were later handed over to investigating officers at the Miri MMEA headquarters for further action.
Capt Mohd Khairol said the agency would continue intensifying monitoring and enforcement efforts to ensure maritime operators comply with shipping regulations and safety requirements in Malaysian waters.
Members of the public with information on maritime offences or emergencies at sea are urged to contact the Miri MMEA Operations Centre at 085-649111 or the emergency hotline 999.
