BINTULU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a local man and a passenger boat for operating without sufficient crew members on Tuesday (Oct 21).
MMEA Bintulu director Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the vessel was intercepted during ‘Ops Permai’ and ‘Op Tiris’ patrols as it was sailing towards Kemena River estuary, about 4.5 nautical miles northwest of the estuary.
“Initial inspection found that the vessel was operated by a 22-year-old crew member.
“Further checks also indicated that he had allegedly breached Regulation 12 of the Boats Rules 1953 by operating without the required number of crew as stipulated by the port officer — an offence punishable by fine or compound,” he said.
Both the vessel and its operator were escorted to MMEA Bintulu Zone Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to investigating officer for further action.
Suffian advised the maritime communities to comply with existing laws and safety regulations at sea to avoid unwanted incidents.
Members of the public are urged to report complaints, information, or emergencies at sea to MMEA Bintulu Operations Centre at 086-314254 or MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
