KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here detained a tugboat along with five crew members for operating with an expired licence and employing foreign crew without permits.
MMEA Sarawak director First Admiral Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz said the vessel was intercepted at 3.20 pm on Thursday during patrols under ‘Ops Tiris’ and ‘Ops Permai’.
The boat, manned by five men – comprising four Myanmar nationals and a local skipper – aged between 21 and 30, was spotted at about 10 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Selalang.
“Further checks found that the crew had committed offences under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for operating with an expired licence and failing to produce valid shipping documents.
“In addition, they also breached the Immigration Act 1959/63 for employing foreign crew without permits,” he said.
The tugboat and its crew members were then escorted to MMEA Sarawak Vessel Detention Centre and handed over to investigating officers for further action.
Mohd Khairi reminded the maritime community to comply with the laws and safety regulations at sea to prevent any unwanted incidents.
The public is urged to report any complaints, information, or emergencies at sea to MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
