MIRI: A tugboat and barge operating in the waters here were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) after failing to present valid shipping documents during an inspection.
The vessels were intercepted on Tuesday at 11.40 am during a patrol operation under Ops Permai 01/2019 and Ops Tiris 3.0, approximately 7.4 nautical miles north of Kuala Baram.
Miri Maritime Zone director Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad said checks revealed the tugboat and barge had failed to produce a Port Clearance Letter and a Domestic Shipping Licence — both of which are mandatory under the country’s maritime laws.
“All seven Indonesian crew members, including the captain aged between 20 and 54, were also detained and handed over to the agency’s investigating officers for further action,” he said in a recent statement.
He said the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for failing to present a Port Clearance Letter under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for operating without a Domestic Shipping Licence.
“MMEA will not compromise with any party that violates maritime laws in national waters,” he said, while adding that regular patrols and monitoring efforts will continue to ensure maritime safety.
Members of the public with information on suspicious activities or emergencies at sea are urged to contact the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 085-649111, the Sarawak State Maritime at 082-432544 / 082-432016, or dial 999 for immediate assistance.
