MIRI: Malaysian maritime authorities have detained a recreational boat accused of breaching a restricted safety zone around an offshore oil platform off Miri, following a tip-off from platform personnel.
The vessel was intercepted at about 11.30am on Thursday (Apr 9) about 22 nautical miles north-west of Kuala Miri, during a routine patrol by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
Officials said the boat had entered within 500 metres of the platform while carrying out fishing activities, in violation of regulations governing protected offshore installations.
The operation was launched after workers on a nearby platform operated by Petronas alerted authorities, adding to a series of earlier complaints about unauthorised vessels approaching the area.
Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, director of the MMEA’s Miri Maritime Zone, said the encroachment posed safety risks in a tightly controlled operational environment.
“These zones are enforced to protect both personnel and offshore operations,” he said.
A subsequent inspection found that the vessel’s operator was unable to produce a valid licence, prompting further investigation under Malaysia’s Merchant Shipping Ordinance.
The boat was carrying seven people- a skipper, two crew members and four passengers — all Malaysian nationals aged between 22 and 74. They were detained and escorted to the Miri Vessel Detention Centre.
Under Malaysian law, entering a restricted area can result in a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both upon conviction. Authorities are also examining possible licensing offences.
Maritime officials say enforcement will be stepped up around offshore facilities, which are designated high-risk zones due to safety and security concerns.
Members of the public have been urged to report suspicious activity at sea as investigations continue.
