MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) here detained a tugboat, barge, and six foreign crew members for failing to produce valid shipping documents during a routine patrol on Tuesday (Jul 15).
MMEA Miri director Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said the vessel was intercepted around 11.05 am during maritime operations dubbed Op Tiris and Op Permai.
The vessels, manned by six Indonesians including the skipper, was spotted about 4.7 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Baram.
“Inspections showed that the crew failed to produce a Port Release Letter and a Domestic Shipping Licence, both of which are mandatory under national shipping regulations.
“Both the vessels and the crew members, aged between 23 and 41, were handed over to our investigating officer for further action,” he said.
The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for failure to produce a Port Release Letter, and the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for operating without a Domestic Shipping License.
Mohd Khairol said the agency remains firm in its stance against maritime law violations.
“Continuous patrols and monitoring will be carried out to safeguard the country’s waters at all times,” he said.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activities or maritime emergencies to the MMEA Miri Operations Centre at 085-649 111, MMEA Sarawak at 082-432 544 / 082-432 016, or via the emergency line 999 for prompt action.
