BINTULU, 5 MAY 2025 – A tugboat operating without a valid skipper was intercepted and detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) from the Bintulu Maritime Zone yesterday evening. The vessel was stopped just 1.4 nautical miles northwest of the mouth of Sungai Kemena.
Bintulu Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Captain Muhammad Suffian Eldine Abdullah, said the tugboat was detected during routine patrols under Operation PERMAI 01/2019 and Operation TIRIS 3.0.
“Our maritime patrol team spotted and inspected the tugboat, which was being operated by two Indian nationals aged 28 and 20. It was heading towards the mouth of Sungai Kemena,” he said in an official statement today.
Further checks revealed that the tugboat had breached Section 22 (2A) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 by not updating the Registrar of Ships about the change in the skipper’s name on the vessel’s registration certificate.
“This offence can result in a compound of up to RM2,500,” Suffian added.
The tugboat along with both crew members has since been escorted to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre. They are now under the custody of investigating officers for further action.
In his closing remarks, Captain Suffian urged all maritime operators and vessel owners to comply with existing regulations and prioritize safety while at sea.
“The sea is not a place to take risks lightly. Skipping legal procedures not only endangers lives but also affects maritime security,” he reminded.
For emergencies or reports of suspicious activities at sea, the public is encouraged to contact the 999 emergency line, the Bintulu Maritime Zone Operations Centre at 086-314 254, or the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544, both available 24/7.
