BINTULU: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) detained a tugboat suspected of operating without an anchor during an enforcement operation last Friday (Aug 21).
MMEA Bintulu Zone director Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the vessel was intercepted at around 4.25pm, about 2.6 nautical miles northwest of Kuala Kemena.
“The vessel was detected during ‘Ops Permai’ and ‘Ops Tiris’ patrols, with inspection finding that it allegedly did not have an anchor, a mandatory safety equipment for vessels.
“Failing to be equipped with an anchor is an offence under Section 300 of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952,” he said.
Further checks found that the tugboat was operated by eight crew members, comprising four locals and four Indonesians, including the vessel’s skipper.
The tugboat and all eight crew members were detained and escorted to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to MMEA investigating officers for further action.
Muhammad Suffian stressed that compliance with maritime safety requirements was the responsibility of every vessel owner, operator and crew to minimise the risk of accidents and safeguard lives at sea.
“The agency will not compromise on any vessel that fails to comply with the country’s safety regulations and maritime laws.
“Enforcement will be enhanced to ensure that Malaysian waters remain safe, orderly and comply with the set navigation standards,” he said.
The maritime community are urged to comply with all navigation regulations and report any information or maritime emergencies to MMEA Bintulu Operations Centre at 086-314254 or MMEA Sarawak Operations Centre at 082-432544.
