MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri Maritime Zone has seized a tugboat approximately 5.6 nautical miles west of Kuala Lawas, for failing to present a valid Domestic Shipping Licence (DSL) and a Port Clearance Letter upon entering Malaysian waters.
Miri Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, stated that the vessel was intercepted by an MMEA patrol boat during Operation Permai 01/2019 and Operation Tiris 3.0 at around 5:20 pm yesterday.
The tugboat, along with its four crew members, aged between 21 and 62, including the skipper, was detained and escorted to the Miri Vessel Detention Centre (PVT) for further investigation by the MMEA.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for failing to produce a valid DSL, and the Customs Act 1967 for failing to present a Port Clearance Letter when entering Malaysian waters.
The public is urged to report any maritime emergencies, incidents or violations to the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 085-649 111, the Sarawak Maritime Headquarters at 082-432544 / 082-432016, or via the 999 emergency hotline for immediate assistance.
