The tugboat was detained for allegedly operating using an expired shipping license. – Photo by MMEA
BINTULU (Aug 22): The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Bintulu Maritime Zone detained a tugboat at about 1.9 nautical miles from Muara Sungai Kemena in Bintulu yesterday for allegedly operating using an expired shipping license.
Its acting director Maritime Commander Effendy Mohamed Fadil said the suspicious looking tugboat was spotted during a routine patrol at around 1.20pm.
He said the enforcement team stopped the tugboat for further inspection.
“From the inspection it was found that the tugboat was suspected of operating using an expired shipping license.
“Three crew members including the captain, comprising two locals and an Indonesian, aged between 37 and 53, with valid identification documents were detained,” said Effendy in a press statement.
He added further checks on the previous records showed that the tugboat had been detained and compounded for committing the same offence last year.
The tugboat and all crew members were detained and escorted to the Bintulu Maritime Zone Vessel Detention Centre for further investigation.
Effendy said the case will be investigated under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for operating using an expired shipping license and punishable by a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both, upon conviction.
“The maritime community, especially in Bintulu, is advised to always prioritise safety while at sea by always wearing a safety jacket and not doing any leisure activities on the beach due the rough sea conditions,” he said.
He said MMEA always welcomes information from the entire maritime community to report any illegal activities and emergencies at sea directly to the MERS 999 line or the Bintulu Maritime Zone Operations Centre (086-314 254); Sarawak State Maritime Operations Centre (082- 432544) which operates 24 hours.