MIRI: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Miri Maritime Zone detained a tugboat approximately four nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Baram for failing to present valid documents during an inspection on Thursday.
According to Miri Maritime Zone Director, Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, the vessel was detained by a maritime patrol team at around 12:30 pm during operations codenamed Ops Permai 01/2019 and Ops Tiris 3.0.
“The tugboat, manned by three crew members including the skipper – two locals and an Indonesian aged between 39 and 53 – was escorted to the Miri Vessel Detention Centre (PTV), and handed over to a maritime investigating officer for further action,” he said in a statement on Friday.
The case is being investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 for failure to provide documentation regarding a change of skipper.
“It is also being probed under the Immigration Act 1956 for misuse of a social visit pass, and for not possessing a valid work permit,” he said.
MMEA reiterated its commitment to carrying out regular patrols and surveillance to curb maritime crime and violations in national waters.
Members of the public with information, complaints or emergencies at sea are urged to contact the Miri Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 085-649 111, Sarawak State Maritime at 082-432544 / 082-432016, or the emergency line at 999.
