MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a tugboat off Miri recently after it was suspected of violating multiple maritime offences during a joint enforcement operation in local waters.
An MMEA spokesperson said its patrol unit detected the vessel at anchor about 4.6 nautical miles northwest of Lutong before boarding it at about 8:00 pm under Ops Permai 01/2019, Ops Naga and Ops Tiris 4.0.
Miri Maritime Zone Director, Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, said officers checked the vessel’s documents, crew status and compliance with maritime regulations.
The tugboat was carrying seven crew members, including a master, made up of two Malaysians, three Indonesians and two Indians, the agency said.
Preliminary investigations found the vessel was suspected of violating the Customs Act 1967 for allegedly transporting duty-paid or prohibited goods without authorisation on a local vessel.
It was also suspected of breaching the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 after failing to produce ship stability documents during the inspection.
The vessel was detained at about 9:00 pm and handed to the Miri Maritime Zone Investigations Unit for further action.
MMEA said it will continue to enforce strict operations to ensure vessels in Malaysian waters comply with safety and legal requirements.
Members of the public with information on sea-related crime or emergencies were advised to call 999 or the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre.
