BINTULU: A tugboat and its seven crew members were detained early this morning (May 12) by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu Zone for allegedly submitting false information in their shipping documentation.
MMEA Bintulu director Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah said the vessel was intercepted about one nautical mile northwest of the Kemena River estuary during a routine patrol under ‘Op Permai’ and ‘Op Tiris’.
“The white tugboat was found towing a barge loaded with logs and was en route to Bintulu from Kudat, Sabah.
“Initial checks revealed the tugboat was operated by three crew members including a Myanmar national serving as skipper, two local crew members, and two Indian nationals,” he said in a statement today.
The tugboat is suspected of violating Section 65F(2) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952, whereby the owner or skipper allegedly provided false or inaccurate details in the vessel’s Domestic Shipping Licence (DSL).
If found guilty, the offence carries a compound fine of RM2,500.
The tugboat and its crew, aged between 26 and 64, were detained and escorted to the MMEA Bintulu Zone Vessel Detention Centre before being handed over to the investigating officers for further action.
MMEA reminded the maritime community to adhere to all regulations and laws, and to always practise proper safety procedures while at sea to minimise the risk of accidents.
Any emergencies, complaints or information can be reported via the 999 emergency hotline or to the MMEA Bintulu Operations Centre at 086-314 254, or the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544.
