SARIKEI — A tugboat carrying five crew members, including a local captain, has been detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) Sarawak after being suspected of violating the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
According to Sarawak State Maritime Director, Maritime First Admiral Mohd Khairi Abd Aziz, the vessel was intercepted at 3.20pm yesterday during a joint patrol under Op Tiris 3.0 and Op Permai 01/2019, about 10 nautical miles northwest of Tanjung Selalang.
“Checks found that the tugboat was operated by five crew members aged between 21 and 30 years. Four of them were Myanmar nationals without valid permits, while the captain was a local,” he said in a statement.
Investigations also revealed that the tugboat had an expired licence and failed to display its shipping documents, which is an offence under the MSO 1952. In addition, employing foreign nationals without proper permits is a violation under the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Following the inspection, the tugboat and its crew were escorted to the Sarawak State Maritime Vessel Detention Centre. They were later handed over to investigating officers for further action.
Maritim Malaysia reminded vessel operators to comply strictly with maritime laws and not to compromise safety and regulations at sea. The agency also stressed that it will continue to conduct patrols and enforcement operations to curb illegal activities in Sarawak waters.
Members of the public with information or complaints are urged to contact the Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre at 082-432544 or through the emergency line 999 for immediate response.