MIRI – A tugboat and a barge were detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritime Malaysia) after they failed to present valid shipping documents during a routine patrol in Miri waters.
According to Maritime Malaysia, the vessels were intercepted at approximately 11.40am, about 7.4 nautical miles north of Kuala Baram, during operations OP PERMAI 01/2019 and OP TIRIS 3.0.
Miri Maritime Zone Director, Maritime Captain Mohd Khairol Anuar Saad, confirmed that checks on board revealed the failure to produce two key mandatory documents — the Port Release Letter and the Domestic Shipping License, both of which are required under Malaysian maritime regulations.
As a result, the tugboat and the barge were taken into custody. All seven Indonesian crew members, aged between 20 and 54, including the captain, were detained and handed over to Maritime Malaysia’s Investigating Officer for further action.
“The case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967 for not providing the Port Release Letter, and under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 (MSO 1952) for operating without a Domestic Shipping License,” said Khairol in a statement.
He emphasised that Maritime Malaysia will not compromise with any party that violates maritime laws and assured the public that patrols and monitoring activities will continue.
“Ensuring maritime safety and legal compliance is our top priority. We will take firm action against offenders,” he added.
The public is urged to report any suspicious activity or maritime emergencies immediately. Reports can be made through:
- Miri Maritime Zone Ops Centre: 085-649 111
- Sarawak State Maritime Hotline: 082-432 544 / 082-432 016
- Emergency Line: 999
