Failed to Present Valid Documents, Tugboat Detained by Maritime Enforcement Agency

(Miri, 10th) The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone detained a tugboat approximately 3.5 nautical miles west of the Miri River mouth yesterday after it failed to present valid documents and provide Port Clearance upon entering Malaysian ports, leading to the lawful detention of the vessel.
 
Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone Director, Captain Maritim Mohd Khairol Anuar bin Saad, stated that the maritime enforcement patrol team, during the execution of "OP PERMAI 01/2019" and "OP TIRIS 3.0" operations, discovered and detained the tugboat at 5:50 PM yesterday.

Upon investigation, the tugboat had 11 crew members (including the captain), aged between 22 to 41 years. All personnel have been taken to the Miri Vessel Detention Center (PVT Miri) and handed over to the investigation officers of the Maritime Enforcement Agency for further examination.

The case is currently under investigation based on the 1952 Merchant Shipping Ordinance due to the inability of the vessel to present valid documents and Domestic Shipping License (DSL), and also under the 1967 Customs Act because of failure to provide Port Clearance documents.

The Maritime Enforcement Agency urges the public to provide clues

The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency will continue to enhance patrols and supervision to prevent any form of illegal activities and maritime crimes, ensuring the security of our territorial waters.

In case of any maritime emergencies, reports, or complaints, the public can call the Miri Maritime Enforcement Zone Operation Center (PUSOP) hotline: 085-649111 or contact the Sarawak Maritime Enforcement Office at 082-432544 / 082-432016 or dial the emergency hotline 999 for swift action by the authorities.