Operation Permai & Tiris 3.0 Exposes Foreign Vessel Breaching Maritime Laws
MIRI – A foreign tugboat and barge operating illegally in Miri waters were detained early yesterday by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM) after failing to present crucial shipping documents.
The arrest, conducted at approximately 1.05am during Operation Permai 01/2019 and Operation Tiris 3.0, took place 4.7 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Baram, according to Miri Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad.
“Upon inspection, the tugboat and barge could not provide the Port Release Letter or Domestic Shipping License (DSL), both of which are required under Malaysian maritime law,” he stated in a press release issued last night.
All six crew members onboard, including the captain, were Indonesian nationals aged between 23 and 41. They were immediately detained and handed over to the Maritime Investigating Officer for further investigation.
The case is now being investigated under:
- Customs Act 1967 – for failure to submit a Port Release Letter, and
- Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 – for not possessing a valid DSL.
Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol reaffirmed APMM’s commitment to strict enforcement of maritime laws.
“We will not tolerate any violation in Malaysian waters. Continuous patrols and monitoring will be carried out to safeguard our maritime sovereignty,” he emphasised.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activities or maritime emergencies by contacting:
- Miri Maritime Zone Operations Center: 085-649 111
- Sarawak Maritime: 082-432 544 / 082-432 016
- Emergency Line: 999
This firm enforcement action serves as a clear warning to those attempting to breach Malaysian maritime regulations.
