MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has detained a tugboat for failing to produce mandatory stability documents during an inspection in Miri waters today(Mar 3).
The vessel was intercepted at about 2.30pm, approximately 2.4 nautical miles west of Sungai Miri.
MMEA Miri director Capt Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the tugboat had committed an offence under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952.
“The vessel failed to produce stability-related documents during the inspection,” he said in a statement, adding that the tugboat was operated by a skipper with eight crew members, all Indonesian nationals aged between 25 and 58.
It was escorted to the Vessel Detention Centre at about 4pm and handed over to investigating officers for further action.
Khairol reminded vessel owners and operators to ensure all required documentations are complete and valid before operating, adding that non-compliance may jeopardise maritime safety.
Members of the public with information on suspicious maritime activities may contact the MMEA Miri Operations Centre at 085-649111 or the MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544 / 082-432016, or call 999 in emergencies.
