BINTULU: A tugboat and barge were detained after Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) officers uncovered multiple suspected maritime violations during routine patrols.
Bintulu MMEA director Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the vessels were intercepted at around 3pm yesterday (Jul 7) while enforcement officers were carrying out ‘Ops Tiris’, ‘Ops Permai’ and ‘Ops Pukat’.
“Further checks found the tugboat and barge were manned by nine crew members comprising seven Indonesians, including the captain, and two Indian nationals.
“Several suspected offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 were detected including failing to notify the Port Officer of a change in the vessel’s master as required under Section 22(2A), failing to produce a vessel Stability Document under Section 276(1), and failing to present a valid Domestic Shipping Licence (DSL) in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Domestic Shipping Licensing Board Regulations 1981,” he said.
Both vessels and its crew members were escorted to MMEA Bintulu Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to investigating officers for further actions.
If convicted, those responsible could face penalties under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 and the Domestic Shipping Licensing Board Regulations 1981, including fines, compounds or other punishments depending on the nature of the offences.
Muhammad Suffian said the enforcement action reflects the agency’s continued commitment to ensuring all vessels operating in Malaysian waters comply with maritime laws and navigation safety standards.
He said MMEA would not compromise on any violation that could jeopardise navigational safety, maritime security or the country’s maritime sovereignty.
The maritime community is reminded to ensure all required documentation, licences and safety procedures are in order before operating at sea to avoid enforcement action.
Anyone with information on maritime crimes or emergencies is urged to report them to MMEA Bintulu Operations Centre at 086-314254 or MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
