BINTULU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here detained a tugboat and nine crew members for failing to report the change of skipper near Kuala Kemena, here yesterday (Sept 6).
MMEA Bintulu director Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the vessel was intercepted at 2.45 pm during patrols under ‘Op Tiris’ and ‘Ops Permai’.
The boat, manned by nine men aged between 24 and 47, was spotted about 3.5 nautical miles northwest of Kuala Kemena.
“Further checks found that the crew had failed to notify in writing to the Ship Registrar regarding the change of skipper in the vessel’s registration certificate.
“As a result, the tugboat and its crew were escorted to MMEA Bintulu Vessel Detention Centre and handed over to the investigating officer for further action,” he said.
Muhammad Suffian said the case is being investigated under Section 22(2A) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952, which carries a compound of RM2,500.
In light of this, the maritime community are reminded to always comply with laws and safety procedures at sea to prevent any unwanted incidents.
The public is urged to report any complaints, information, or emergencies at sea to MMEA Bintulu Operations Centre at 086-314254 or MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
